Priscila is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman family name Prisca, which means "ancient" or "venerable". The name Priscilla was first used in the New Testament of the Bible as one of Paul and Aquila's wives. They were both tentmakers and early Christian missionaries who traveled together to various cities preaching the gospel.
The name Priscila gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among Christians who admired the biblical figure. It was often given to girls born around that time and has since become a popular choice for parents looking for unique yet meaningful names for their daughters.
Today, Priscila is still used as a given name throughout the world, with variations such as Prisca, Prisilla, and Presila. While it may not be as common as some other feminine names, those who bear this name carry with them a rich history and meaningful significance rooted in ancient times.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends regarding the number of babies named Priscila born in the United States each year:
From 1964 to 1979, the number of births with the name Priscila fluctuated between 6 and 23. There was a steady increase from 1970 onwards, with a notable peak in 1978.
The trend continued to rise significantly in the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching a high of 155 births in 1998 and 186 births in 1999. This suggests that during this period, the name Priscila gained popularity among parents.
However, from 2000 onwards, there was a decline in the number of babies named Priscila born each year. The highest point reached within this timeframe was 257 births in 2002. Since then, the numbers have decreased consistently, reaching 83 births in 2023.
In summary, although Priscila's popularity has varied over time, it experienced a significant peak between the late 1980s and early 1990s before declining steadily from 2000 onwards. Despite this decline, Priscila remains a name that continues to be chosen by parents in recent years, with 83 babies named Priscila born in the United States in 2023 alone.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate how naming trends can change over time and reflect the personal choices made by parents when selecting names for their children.