What does Priscilla mean and where does it come from?
Priscilla is derived from the Latin name 'Priscus,' meaning 'ancient' or 'venerable.' The name is found in the New Testament of the Bible, where Priscilla is a prominent woman who, alongside her husband Aquila, aided the Apostle Paul. The name has enjoyed popularity in various cultures, especially i
Cultural significance
Priscilla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of ancient, venerable.
Peak popularity
Reached #127 in 1940 — currently #544 in the US.
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Related Reading
Italy-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Priscilla?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Priscilla?
Priscilla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Priscilla Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Priscilla Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Priscilla Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Priscilla Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Priscilla Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Priscilla Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Priscilla right now?
Rising fast — up 69 spots — currently #544 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #544 | 555 | ▲ up 69 · +14% births |
| 2024 | #613 | 487 | ▲ up 39 · +8% births |
| 2023 | #652 | 451 | ▲ up 61 · +10% births |
| 2022 | #713 | 411 | ▼ down 88 · -14% births |
| 2021 | #625 | 477 | ▼ down 63 · -8% births |
| 2020 | #562 | 518 | ▼ down 61 · -18% births |
| 2015 | #501 | 633 | ▼ down 15 · +2% births |
| 2010 | #486 | 620 | ▼ down 139 · -32% births |
| 2005 | #347 | 906 | ▼ down 74 · -23% births |
| 2000 | #273 | 1,170 | ▼ down 58 · -10% births |
| 1995 | #215 | 1,307 | ▼ down 48 · -25% births |
| 1990 | #167 | 1,754 | stable · +3% births |
| 1985 | #167 | 1,701 | ▲ up 20 · +19% births |
| 1980 | #187 | 1,432 | ▲ up 129 · +98% births |
| 1975 | #316 | 722 | — |
The story of Priscilla
Priscilla has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. More than 120,613 babies have been named Priscilla since 1880. Once ranked #315 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #652 in 2023. Priscilla is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Priscilla in 1940:
Priscilla by decade
Priscilla peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 375 | |
| 1890s | 589 | |
| 1900s | 937 | |
| 1910s | 3,378 | |
| 1920s | 8,095 | |
| 1930s | 8,550 | |
| 1940s ★ | 18,162 | |
| 1950s | 14,257 | |
| 1960s | 10,360 | |
| 1970s | 9,139 | |
| 1980s | 16,083 | |
| 1990s | 14,527 | |
| 2000s | 9,592 | |
| 2010s | 6,051 | |
| 2020s | 1,560 | |
What are good nicknames for Priscilla?
ENGLISH
CeceCissyPrisPrissySissieSissy
What names sound and feel like Priscilla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Priscilla also consider these
How is Priscilla written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Priscilla?
Common questions about the name Priscilla
What does the name Priscilla mean?
Priscilla means "Ancient, venerable" — a name rooted in Italy 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 Priscilla?
Priscilla is currently ranked #652 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Priscilla?
Priscilla originates from Italy tradition. Italy 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 Priscilla?
Priscilla is a three-syllable name pronounced pris-IL-uh. 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 Priscilla?
Priscilla pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Italy heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.