Priscillia

Meaning & origin

Priscillia is a rare feminine name with Latin roots, first recorded in the United States in 1923. It reached its peak popularity in 1944, though it has never been common enough to rank in the national top 1000. The name is a variant of Priscilla, which appears in the New Testament and has been used among Christians for centuries. Priscillia's trajectory has been stable, with occasional births recorded in the decades since its peak. While its exact origin is uncertain, it may also be influenced by the name of the 4th-century religious figure Priscillian. The name has not been associated with any top states, reflecting its rarity across the country. Despite its low usage, Priscillia offers a distinctive and classic-sounding alternative to the more common Priscilla.

Priscillia is a rare feminine name that may be a variant of Priscilla, which itself is derived from the Latin name Priscus, meaning 'ancient' or 'old'. Priscilla appears in the New Testament as a companion of the apostle Paul, which contributed to its use among early Christians. Priscillia may also be influenced by the name of the 4th-century heretic Priscillian, though the connection is speculative. The name has always been uncommon in the United States, with its peak usage in 1944.