"of ancient lineage (from Prisca)"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Priscilla
Pronunciation: [ pr-ihs-IHL-uh ]
Does Priscilla flow with your last name?
An ancient Roman name with timeless grace
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Priscilla Presley, ex-wife of Elvis Presley, which may evoke a 1960s-70s pop culture feel
The Story of Priscilla
Priscilla is the diminutive of the Roman name Prisca, from the Latin adjective priscus meaning 'ancient' or 'venerable.' It was a name of dignity in ancient Rome, signifying respect for old traditions and lineage. In the New Testament, Priscilla (also called Prisca) was a prominent early Christian missionary and one of the few women mentioned by name as a church leader, traveling with her husband Aquila and the Apostle Paul.
Priscilla peaked in American popularity during the 1940s–1960s, receiving a boost from Priscilla Beaulieu Presley, who married Elvis in 1967. The name has a Victorian and mid-century American feel that appeals to parents seeking a genuinely antique name with multiple nickname options.
In early Christian history, Priscilla/Prisca was one of the most notable female leaders. She and her husband are credited in the Bible with teaching Apollos, a gifted preacher. In Latin America, the name remains common and carries the same dignified weight as its European counterparts.
Historical Record
Priscilla first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 82,208 babies have been named Priscilla in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Priscilla is past its peak , currently ranked #615 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Priscilla is one of the few women in the New Testament described as a teacher and church leader
- The 1994 Australian film 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' gave the name a flamboyant cult-film association
Priscilla in Other Languages
Latin
Prisca
French
Priscille
Italian
Priscilla
Spanish
Priscila
Portuguese
Priscila
Popularity Over Time
#615
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1988
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Priscilla
P
Priscilla Chan
Humanitarian
1985
American pediatrician and philanthropist; co-founder of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative with her husband Mark Zuckerberg
P
Priscilla Presley
Actor
1945
American actress and businesswoman, former wife of Elvis Presley, known for the Naked Gun film series
P
Priscilla of Rome
Religious
Early Christian missionary mentioned in the New Testament as a companion of the Apostle Paul; one of the earliest female...
Early Christian missionary mentioned in the New Testament as a companion of the Apostle Paul; one of the earliest female church leaders
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Compare Priscilla with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #615
- Total SSA Count
- 484
- Cultural Origins
- English American Spanish Portuguese Italian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Cilla
Pris
Prissy
Priss
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Priscilla
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Priscilla is also used as a boy name, ranked #16998.
View Priscilla as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Priscilla
What does the name Priscilla mean?
"of ancient lineage (from Prisca)" (from Latin). Priscilla is the diminutive of the Roman name Prisca, from the Latin adjective priscus meaning 'ancient' or 'venerable.' It was a name of dignity in ancient Rome, signifying respect for old traditions and lineage. In the New Testament, Priscilla (also called Prisca) was a prominent early Christian missionary and one of the few women mentioned by name as a church leader, traveling with her husband Aquila and the Apostle Paul.
What is the origin of the name Priscilla?
Priscilla has Latin, English, American, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian origins. In Latin, it means "of ancient lineage (from Prisca)".
Is Priscilla a boy or girl name?
Priscilla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #615. As a boy name, it is ranked #16998. Priscilla is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Priscilla?
Priscilla is pronounced pr-ihs-IHL-uh.
How popular is the name Priscilla?
Priscilla is currently ranked #615 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Priscilla?
Common nicknames for Priscilla include Cilla, Pris, Prissy, and Priss.
What are good middle names for Priscilla?
Popular middle name pairings include Priscilla Anne, Priscilla Rose, Priscilla Jane, Priscilla Kate, Priscilla Lynn, Priscilla Grace, and Priscilla Faye.
What are good sibling names for Priscilla?
Names that pair well with Priscilla as siblings include Cornelius, Cecelia, Augustus, Cordelia, Marcus, Arabella, and Maximilian.
How many syllables does Priscilla have?
Priscilla has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Priscilla a common or rare name?
Priscilla is moderately common, ranked #615 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Priscilla?
About the Name Priscilla
Priscilla is a girl name with English, American, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian origins . The name means "of ancient lineage (from Prisca)" in Latin .
Is Priscilla a boy or girl name? Priscilla is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #615 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #16,998. Priscilla is more commonly used as a girl name.
Priscilla is currently ranked #615 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Priscilla has 4 syllables and is pronounced pr-ihs-IHL-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Priscilla include Cilla, Pris, Prissy, and Priss. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Priscilla include Prisha, Priscila . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis