Holding steady.
Popularity of Prescilla since 1919
Babies named Prescilla per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 32 |
| 1930s | 68 |
| 1940s | 140 |
| 1950s | 118 |
| 1960s | 94 |
| 1970s | 93 |
| 1980s | 172 |
| 1990s | 193 |
| 2000s | 107 |
| 2010s | 14 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Prescilla is a rare variant of Priscilla that first appeared in U.S. records in 1919. It reached its peak popularity in 1991, when more parents opted for this phonetic alternative over the traditional spelling. Since then, usage has remained stable but very low, with no rankings in the top 1,000. The name never appeared among the most popular names in any state. Its trajectory suggests a consistent but niche appeal, likely driven by families seeking a fresh twist on a classic biblical name.
Prescilla is most commonly considered a variant spelling of Priscilla, a Latin name derived from the Roman family name Priscus, meaning 'ancient' or 'old-fashioned'. The name Priscilla appears in the New Testament and has been used in English-speaking countries since the 17th century. Prescilla likely emerged as an American phonetic respelling, possibly influenced by the prefix 'pre-' or other names like 'Priscilla'.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Prissy, Cilla, Scilly, Pri
Sibling names for Prescilla
Names that share Prescilla's style, for a brother or sister.
