Priscilla is a female given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman family name "Aemilius," which was also used as a cognomen, or nickname, for members of the gens Aemilia, one of the most prominent patrician families in ancient Rome.
The name Priscilla has several possible meanings depending on its interpretation. One common meaning is "ancient" or "old fashioned," which refers to someone who is wise beyond their years. Another interpretation is "elegant" or "delicate," suggesting a graceful and refined individual.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Priscilla. In the New Testament of the Bible, Priscilla was the wife of Aquila, an early Christian missionary. Together, they traveled with the Apostle Paul and helped to establish churches in Corinth and Ephesus. St. Priscilla is now recognized as a saint by both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In addition to its biblical associations, the name Priscilla has also been used throughout history in various cultures. In France, for example, it was a popular girl's name during the Middle Ages. Today, Priscilla remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive choice for girls' names around the world.
Overall, Priscilla is an elegant and historic name with a rich backstory rooted in ancient Roman culture and biblical tradition. Its unique meaning makes it a memorable choice for parents looking for a name that combines classic charm with modern sophistication.
The name Priscilla experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over the course of nearly 140 years, with its peak occurring during the early to mid-20th century. From just 26 births in 1880, it climbed steadily until reaching an all-time high of 2057 births in 1938 and 1939 combined (with 1026 in 1938 alone). However, after World War II, the popularity of the name Priscilla began to decline, dropping from a total of 1970 births in both 1940 and 1941 to just 410 births in 2022. Overall, there were 121,736 babies named Priscilla between 1880 and 2023.