Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Priscilla

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.
💕 Browse more names
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.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

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 1000 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

Explore names like Priscilla

By themelatinbiblicalclassicthree-syllablevintage-revival

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

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.

💬 Ask Nia