MallowbyNames

Priscila

pri-SEE-lah · Ancient Roman name, probably derived from Latin priscus meaning 'ancient' or 'old'.

2025 rank (girls)
#2,194
Babies named in 2025
84
Peak popularity
2002
2025 frequency
1 in 19,134 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2002

Declining since 2002, #2,194 for girls today.

Popularity of Priscila since 1964

Babies named Priscila per year in U.S. Social Security records.

86171257198020002020Most births 2002Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s11
1970s118
1980s318
1990s928
2000s2,004
2010s1,026
2020s492

Meaning & origin

Priscila is a Latin-derived name meaning 'ancient' or 'old', a variant of the more common Priscilla. In the United States, it was first recorded in 1964 and saw its peak popularity in 2002. Since 2002, its usage has been falling. In 2025, it ranked 2194, with roughly 1 in 19134 newborn girls receiving the name. The name has been most common in North Carolina, California, and Florida, reflecting its particular popularity in Hispanic and Portuguese communities. Priscila offers a slightly streamlined alternative to the classic Priscilla, appealing to parents drawn to traditional names with a modern twist.

Priscila is a variant spelling of Priscilla, the feminine diminutive of the Roman family name Priscus, meaning 'ancient' or 'old' in Latin. The name appears in the New Testament as a companion of the apostle Paul, which contributed to its use among early Christians. It experienced a revival in the English-speaking world during the Puritan era and has remained in use, particularly in Latin American and Portuguese-speaking communities.

Where Priscila is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Cila, Pri, Pris

Variants: Priscilla, Priscila, Priscille, Priska

Sibling names for Priscila

Names that share Priscila's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

P is for Priscila, our favorite little girl.

P is for Priscila…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Priscila's letter becomes Priscila's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Priscila's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Priscila mean?
Priscila is a variant of Priscilla, derived from the Latin name Priscus, meaning 'ancient' or 'old'.
How popular is the name Priscila currently?
Priscila ranked 2194 in the United States in 2025, with approximately 1 in 19134 girls given that name.
Is Priscila typically a girl's name?
Yes, Priscila is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.