Priscilla: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced prih-SIL-uh · 3 syllables
Priscilla means “former, ancient, old-fashioned”, from Latin.
Feminine diminutive form of a Roman cognomen Priscus, from Latin priscus (“former, ancient, old-fashioned”). Compare typologically Seneca (< Latin Seneca < senex).
- Meaning
- former, ancient, old-fashioned
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- prih-SIL-uh
- US rank (2025)
- #544
- US babies a year
- about 477 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1940
- Style
- Vintage, Biblical, Classic
How popular is Priscilla?
Priscilla was the #544 name in the US in 2025, given to 555 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1940.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #544 |
| Ireland | #690 |
How old are people named Priscilla?
Half of US adults named Priscilla are older than 46; most are between 22 and 83. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Priscilla
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Priscilla have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
- Astride
- Charles-Edouard
- John
Names like Priscilla
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Claudia
- Margarita
- Maria
- Sara
- Patricia
- Justine
- Veronica
- Paula
- Constance
- Sylvia
- Diana
- Martina
- Rosemary
- Cynthia
- Regina
- Barbara
On these lists
Questions about Priscilla
What does the name Priscilla mean?
Priscilla means “former, ancient, old-fashioned”. It comes from Latin.
How do you pronounce Priscilla?
Priscilla is pronounced prih-SIL-uh.
How popular is the name Priscilla?
Priscilla was the #544 name in the US in 2025, given to 555 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1940.
How old are people named Priscilla?
Half of US adults named Priscilla are older than 46. Most are between 22 and 83.