Find out how popular the first name Priscillia has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Priscillia by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Priscillia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Priscillia.

The history of the first name Priscillia

The name Priscillia has its roots in the Latin language, originating from the Roman name Prisca or Priscilla. This name was derived from the Latin word "priscus," meaning ancient or old. It's believed that the name was first used during the Roman Empire, around the 1st century AD.

Priscilla was a fairly common name among Roman women, particularly those from wealthy or noble families. It was considered a respectable and dignified name, often associated with wisdom and virtue. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the New Testament of the Bible, where Priscilla is mentioned as a prominent early Christian and a companion of the Apostle Paul.

In ancient Rome, a notable figure named Priscilla was the wife of the Roman Emperor Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus. She lived in the 1st century AD and was known for her intelligence and influence in the imperial court. Another famous Priscilla was a Roman martyr from the 3rd century AD, who was executed for her Christian faith during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian.

During the Middle Ages, the name Priscillia or its variants, such as Priscilla, remained in use, particularly among Christian communities. One notable figure was Priscilla, the wife of the Visigothic King Ataulf, who ruled in the early 5th century AD.

In the Renaissance period, the name gained popularity once again, with several notable women bearing the name. Priscilla Sottile was an Italian humanist and scholar from the 15th century, known for her contributions to the study of classical literature.

In the 17th century, Priscilla Mullins was a prominent figure among the Pilgrims who sailed to the New World on the Mayflower in 1620. She was one of the few survivors of the harsh first winter in Plymouth Colony and later married John Alden, a fellow Pilgrim.

As the name spread across Europe and the Americas, it continued to be used by various individuals throughout history. Priscilla Wakefield was an English writer and philanthropist from the 18th century, known for her educational works and advocacy for women's rights.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Priscillia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Priscillia, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!