How to say it
pri · SCIL · la
/prɪˈsɪl.ə/
Feminine
Priscilla
Ancient, venerable
What it means
From the Latin priscus, 'ancient' or 'venerable'; an early Christian figure.
Priscilla comes from the Latin priscus, 'ancient' or 'venerable,' a diminutive that reads as 'little wise one.' In the New Testament she is an early leader of the church alongside her husband Aquila. Elvis Presley's Priscilla keeps it familiar. Cilla and Pris are the shorts. Said prih-SIL-uh.
Popularity over time
peaked at #127 in 1940, currently #544 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–present. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Nickname
Cilla, Pris.
- Worth knowing
An early church leader in the New Testament; also Priscilla Presley.
Spelling variants
- Pricilla
- Priscila
- Prisila
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