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Priscilla

♀ Girl

Pronounced prih-SIL-ah /prɪˈsɪl.ə/High

Meaning: Diminutive of the Roman family name Prisca, derived from Latin priscus meaning 'ancient,' 'old-fashioned,' or 'venerable'; a name used in the New Testament and borne by an early Christian woman of significanceHigh

In 30 seconds: Priscilla is a stately Latin name meaning 'ancient and venerable,' borne by a prominent early Christian and beloved in American history. Three syllables of timeless dignity with the nickname Cilla.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningDiminutive of the Roman family name Prisca, derived from Latin priscus meaning 'ancient,' 'old-fashioned,' or 'venerable'; a name used in the New Testament and borne by an early Christian woman of significance
U.S. rank (2025)#544 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births555 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1942
Total births (all-time)≈ 122,789

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194218802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Priscilla is the diminutive of Prisca, from Latin priscus meaning 'ancient' or 'venerable.' It appears in the New Testament as the name of Priscilla (also called Prisca), a Jewish Christian woman who with her husband Aquila became a prominent early church leader and teacher. The name spread through early Christianity and was carried into medieval and Renaissance Europe.

Priscilla was a popular name in colonial America — notably Priscilla Mullins of the Mayflower, immortalized in Longfellow's poem 'The Courtship of Miles Standish.' It peaked in the U.S. in the mid-20th century, aided by Priscilla Presley, and has been declining since. It remains a dignified classic in the top 400 and is poised for a vintage revival as grandparent-era names cycle back.

Did you know? Priscilla of Rome, mentioned in the New Testament's Acts of the Apostles and Paul's letters, was a leading figure in the early Christian church — a teacher and missionary who worked alongside Paul, making her one of the most prominent women in the New Testament.
Overall data confidence 94%
Behind the Name — Priscilla — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

PriscaPricilla

Nicknames

CillaPrissyPriss

Famous Bearers

  • ★Priscilla Presley (1945–present)
    American actress and businesswoman, former wife of Elvis Presley.
  • ★Priscilla Mullins (c. 1602–c. 1685)
    Mayflower passenger immortalized in Longfellow's poem The Courtship of Miles Standish.

If you like Priscilla…

Cecilia— shares the three-syllable Latin religious heritage and the same refined vintage elegance
Lavinia— another stately Latin classical girls' name with the same sense of ancient grandeur
Cordelia— four-syllable Latin-rooted classic with the same dignified, literary feminine character
Felicity— Latin virtue name with the same multi-syllable grace and early Christian association

Frequently Asked

What does the name Priscilla mean?

Priscilla comes from Latin priscus meaning 'ancient' or 'venerable.' It is the diminutive of Prisca, a name borne by a prominent early Christian leader in the New Testament.

How do you pronounce Priscilla?

It is said prih-SIL-ah — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Priscilla a boy or girl name?

Priscilla is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Priscilla?

Priscilla peaked mid-20th century in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 400. It is a dignified classic with growing vintage-revival potential.