What does Prescilla mean and where does it come from?
Prescilla is a feminine name derived from the Latin word 'praescīlla', which translates to 'ancient' or 'venerable'. The name has historical roots tied to early Christianity, with Saint Priscilla being a notable figure mentioned in the New Testament. The spelling can be seen in various forms across
Cultural significance
Prescilla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #2098 in 1938 — currently #1381 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Prescilla?
Prescilla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Prescilla Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Prescilla Rose
Floral · soft ending
Prescilla Mae
Sweet · timeless
Prescilla Claire
French influence · crisp
Prescilla Jane
Literary · strong
Prescilla Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Prescilla right now?
Holding steady — currently #1381 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1381 | 819 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1386 | 799 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1391 | 769 | ▲ up 12174 · +10886% births |
| 2010 | #13565 | 7 | ▼ down 4614 · -42% births |
| 2005 | #8951 | 12 | ▲ up 1016 · +33% births |
| 2000 | #9967 | 9 | ▼ down 3652 · -36% births |
| 1995 | #6315 | 14 | ▼ down 1411 · -26% births |
| 1990 | #4904 | 19 | stable · +27% births |
| 1985 | #4904 | 15 | ▲ up 124 · +7% births |
| 1980 | #5028 | 14 | ▲ up 2294 · +100% births |
| 1975 | #7322 | 7 | ▼ down 2994 · -46% births |
| 1970 | #4328 | 13 | ▲ up 278 · +44% births |
| 1965 | #4606 | 9 | ▼ down 303 · -10% births |
| 1960 | #4303 | 10 | ▼ down 104 · +11% births |
| 1955 | #4199 | 9 | — |
The story of Prescilla
Prescilla entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 1,037 total births recorded, Prescilla remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5034 in 1930 to #1381 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Prescilla in 1938:
Prescilla by decade
Prescilla peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 6 | |
| 1920s | 32 | |
| 1930s | 68 | |
| 1940s | 140 | |
| 1950s | 118 | |
| 1960s | 94 | |
| 1970s | 93 | |
| 1980s | 172 | |
| 1990s ★ | 193 | |
| 2000s | 107 | |
| 2010s | 14 | |
💎With 1,037 total births, Prescilla is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Prescilla?
Famous people named Prescilla
P(
Prescilla (Renaissance scholar)
Prescilla used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
P(
Prescilla (historical Roman figure)
Prescilla carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Prescilla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Prescilla also consider these
Common questions about the name Prescilla
What does the name Prescilla mean?
Prescilla means "Latin" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Prescilla?
Prescilla is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Prescilla?
Prescilla originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Prescilla?
Prescilla is a three-syllable name pronounced P R IY1 S IH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Prescilla?
Prescilla pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.