All about the name

Priscilla

Male

« Priscilla is a Latin-derived feminine given name meaning 'ancient' or 'old', popularized during the early Christian era due to its biblical associations. »

#11486 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Priscilla is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman family name Prisca, which in turn comes from the verb 'priscus', meaning 'ancient' or 'old'. The name Priscilla was quite popular during the early Christian era due to its association with several prominent figures in the New Testament of the Bible. One such figure was Priscilla, a fellow worker of Paul and Aquila, who were all tentmakers by trade. They traveled together and established churches in various places such as Corinth and Ephesus. Another notable Priscilla was an early Christian woman mentioned in Romans 16:3-4, where she is described as a "hardworking" woman who had been helpful to many. The name Priscilla gained further popularity during the Middle Ages when it was adopted by several saints and martyrs of the Catholic Church. One such saint was Saint Priscilla, who was martyred in Rome around 304 AD during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. In modern times, the name Priscilla has been used by a few notable figures, including American actress Priscilla Presley, former wife of Elvis Presley, and Australian singer-songwriter Prinnie Stevens. It continues to be a popular choice among parents for their daughters, often as a nod to its historical and biblical significance. Overall, the name Priscilla carries with it a rich history rooted in ancient Roman culture and early Christian tradition. Its meaning "ancient" or "old" adds an air of timelessness and wisdom to the name, making it a strong and distinctive choice for a girl's name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Priscilla since 1880

Total births
244
Total since 1880
Peak year
1985
14 births
in 1997
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years