The name Drucilla has its origins in ancient Rome, derived from the Latin name "Drucilla" or "Drusillia". It is believed to have been a feminine form of the Roman family name "Drusus", which may have originated from the Gaulish word "dru" meaning "firm" or "strong".

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Drucilla was in reference to a member of the Roman imperial family during the 1st century AD. Drucilla was the younger sister of the Roman emperor Caligula and was known for her beauty and scandalous reputation. She was married to Marcus Antonius Felix, a Roman procurator of Judea, and is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible.

Another notable Drucilla in Roman history was the daughter of the emperor Vespasian and the sister of the emperors Titus and Domitian. She lived during the 1st century AD and was known for her wealth and influence.

In the Middle Ages, the name Drucilla was rarely used, but it resurfaced during the Renaissance period. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name during this time was Drucilla Calcagnini, an Italian Renaissance humanist and poet who lived in the 15th century.

In the 17th century, Drucilla Hollingsworth was an English Puritan woman who was among the early settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in North America. She was born around 1609 and died in 1678.

In the 19th century, Drucilla Ross was an American abolitionist and suffragist who worked alongside Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. She was born in 1824 and died in 1900.

Overall, while not a common name throughout history, Drucilla has been present in various cultures and time periods, with its earliest recorded use dating back to ancient Rome. Its association with notable historical figures, particularly in the Roman imperial family, has contributed to its enduring legacy.