Drusilla is a unique and captivating name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman gens, or family, known as Drusiilae, which was quite prominent during the Roman Empire's early history.
The name Drusilla itself means "daughter of Drusus," with Drusus being another Roman nomen (a type of family name) that translates to "firm" or "strong." Therefore, the name Drusilla could be interpreted as conveying a sense of strength and steadfastness.
Historically, one notable figure associated with this name is Drusilla, who was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I, an Idumean king under Roman rule in the early 1st century AD. Drusilla was known for converting to Judaism from her initial Greek beliefs, and she played a significant role in the spread of Judaism among Romans.
In literature, there is also a character named Drusilla in John Webster's tragic play "The Duchess of Malfi," first performed around 1623. This Drusilla is portrayed as a virtuous sister to the protagonist, the Duchess of Malfi herself.
While Drusilla may not be among the most commonly used names today, its rich historical and cultural significance makes it an intriguing choice for those seeking a unique and meaningful name with Latin roots.
"Drusilla's popularity as a baby name peaked in the early 20th century, with over 40 births recorded annually between 1914 and 1925. After World War II, its use declined significantly; from 1946 onwards, there were fewer than 37 births each year until it fell to single digits in the late 20th century. Recently, it has seen a slight resurgence with around 8-11 births annually since 2000."