Priscilla
Priscilla: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /pɹɪˈsɪlə/
Meaning and origin of Priscilla
Root meaning: “former, ancient, old-fashioned”
- A female given name from Latin of biblical origin.
Etymology
Feminine diminutive form of a Roman cognomen Prīscus, from Latin prīscus (“former, ancient, old-fashioned”). Compare typologically Seneca (< Latin Seneca < senex).
How popular is Priscilla?
Since 1880, 122,796 girls and 244 boys in the U.S. have been named Priscilla (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #127 in 1940. Its highest rank for boys was #2303 in 1941. In 2025 it ranked #544 for girls, with 555 babies given the name.
Names similar to Priscilla
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Latin girl names
Sibling name ideas for Priscilla
Sister and brother names that share Priscilla's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Priscilla FAQ
What does the name Priscilla mean?
Priscilla traces back to a root meaning "former, ancient, old-fashioned". A female given name from Latin of biblical origin. Feminine diminutive form of a Roman cognomen Prīscus, from Latin prīscus (“former, ancient, old-fashioned”). Compare typologically Seneca (< Latin Seneca < senex).
What is the origin of the name Priscilla?
Priscilla is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Priscilla?
Since 1880, 122,796 girls and 244 boys in the U.S. have been named Priscilla (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #127 in 1940. Its highest rank for boys was #2303 in 1941. In 2025 it ranked #544 for girls, with 555 babies given the name.
Is Priscilla a boy or girl name?
Priscilla is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 122,796 girls and 244 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.