"ancient, venerable, of old times"
Priscila
A Roman name honoring ancient grace
Meaning & Origin
"from the Priscus family"
The Story of Priscila
Priscila is the Spanish and Portuguese variant of Priscilla, a Latin name derived from Priscus, a Roman family name meaning ancient or venerable. The name has deep early Christian roots — Priscilla was a prominent early Christian woman mentioned several times in the New Testament, a tent-maker alongside her husband Aquila who hosted Paul and helped establish churches across the Roman world. In Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, Priscila became the preferred spelling, dropping one L while retaining the name's classical prestige.
Priscila has been a steady name throughout Latin America, particularly in Brazil where it ranks among the most recognizable names of the 1970s-1990s generation. The name received wider attention in the English-speaking world through Priscilla Presley, wife of Elvis.
In Christian tradition, the biblical Priscilla (or Prisca) is venerated as a saint in both Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, celebrated for her role in teaching and hospitality to early apostles. In Brazil and Portugal, Priscila carries an air of understated elegance.
Fun Facts
- The biblical Priscilla is one of the most prominent women named in Paul's letters in the New Testament
- Priscilla Presley helped make the name glamorous in mid-20th century America
- In Brazil, Priscila (one L) is the standard spelling and has produced many notable figures in arts
Priscila in Other Languages
Famous People Named Priscila
Priscila Fantin
Actor
1981
Brazilian actress and singer known for telenovelas on the Globo network
Priscilla Presley
Actor
1945
American actress and businesswoman, widow of Elvis Presley and star of the Naked Gun film series
Priscilla (biblical)
Other
Early Christian woman mentioned in Romans, Corinthians, and Acts, who worked alongside Paul the Apostle
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,568
- Total SSA Count
- 69
- Cultural Origins
- Brazilian Spanish Portuguese Latin American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Priscila
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About the Name Priscila
Priscila is a girl name with Brazilian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American origins . The name means "ancient, venerable, of old times" in Latin .
Priscila is currently ranked #2,568 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Priscila has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Priscila include Pris, Cila, and Cilla. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Priscila include Priscilla, Prisha . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.