Drusilla

Girl Name
Origin:celtic
Pronunciation:/drʊˈzɪl.ə/

Drusilla: a female name of Celtic origin meaning "This name derives from the Roman praenomen and cognomen “Drusus,” typical of the clan Claudia and Livia, and then inherited by the Julio-Claudian dynasty". It derives from the Celtic word "*dru- > Drausus > Drūsus > Drūsĭānus".

Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Drusilla, drawn to its Celtic heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Roman praenomen and cognomen “Drusus,” typical of the clan Claudia and Livia, and then inherited by the Julio-Claudian dynasty". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.

Quick Facts About Drusilla

Quick facts about Drusilla
OriginCeltic, Latin
GenderGirl name
PopularityUncommon

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Roman praenomen and cognomen “Drusus,” typical of the clan Claudia and Livia, and then inherited by the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The name could derive from the Old Celtic “*dru- > Drausus,” meaning “strong, courageous, valiant.” 1) Drusus Julius Caesar (7–33 AD) was a member of the Julio-Claudian or Imperial family of Ancient Rome. He was a son of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder. He was a brother to Emperor Caligula, nephew to Emperor Claudius. 2) Drusus the Elder (38–9 BC) was a Roman politician and military commander. He was a patrician Claudian on his legal father’s side, but his maternal grandmother was from a plebeian family. 3) Drusilla (38–79 AD) was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I and thus sister to Berenice, Mariamne, and Herod Agrippa II. 4) Drusilla of Mauretania may be the Drusilla mentioned by Tacitus as Antonius and Cleopatra’s granddaughter. If so, she would have been a princess of Mauretania, the youngest child of queen Cleopatra Selene II and king Juba II and a sister to King Ptolemy of Mauretania.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

*dru- > Drausus > Drūsus > Drūsĭānus

How to Pronounce Drusilla

Drusilla is pronounced /drʊˈzɪl.ə/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Drus-illa
  2. Say it like: "DRUS-ILLA"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Drusilla enjoys international appeal, used in 9 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, spanish, french, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

englishspanishfrenchitalianswedishdanishfinnishdutchgerman
Frequently Asked Questions About Drusilla
What does the name Drusilla mean?
Drusilla means "This name derives from the Roman praenomen and cognomen “Drusus,” typical of the clan Claudia and Livia, and then inherited by the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The name could derive from the Old Celtic “*dru- > Drausus,” meaning “strong, courageous, valiant.” 1) Drusus Julius Caesar (7–33 AD) was a member of the Julio-Claudian or Imperial family of Ancient Rome. He was a son of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder. He was a brother to Emperor Caligula, nephew to Emperor Claudius. 2) Drusus the Elder (38–9 BC) was a Roman politician and military commander. He was a patrician Claudian on his legal father’s side, but his maternal grandmother was from a plebeian family. 3) Drusilla (38–79 AD) was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I and thus sister to Berenice, Mariamne, and Herod Agrippa II. 4) Drusilla of Mauretania may be the Drusilla mentioned by Tacitus as Antonius and Cleopatra’s granddaughter. If so, she would have been a princess of Mauretania, the youngest child of queen Cleopatra Selene II and king Juba II and a sister to King Ptolemy of Mauretania.". The name comes from *dru- > Drausus > Drūsus > Drūsĭānus. This celtic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Drusilla for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Roman praenomen and cognomen “Drusus,” typical of the clan Claudia and Livia, and then inherited by the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The name could derive from the Old Celtic “*dru- > Drausus,” meaning “strong, courageous, valiant.” 1) Drusus Julius Caesar (7–33 AD) was a member of the Julio-Claudian or Imperial family of Ancient Rome. He was a son of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder. He was a brother to Emperor Caligula, nephew to Emperor Claudius. 2) Drusus the Elder (38–9 BC) was a Roman politician and military commander. He was a patrician Claudian on his legal father’s side, but his maternal grandmother was from a plebeian family. 3) Drusilla (38–79 AD) was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I and thus sister to Berenice, Mariamne, and Herod Agrippa II. 4) Drusilla of Mauretania may be the Drusilla mentioned by Tacitus as Antonius and Cleopatra’s granddaughter. If so, she would have been a princess of Mauretania, the youngest child of queen Cleopatra Selene II and king Juba II and a sister to King Ptolemy of Mauretania." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Drusilla offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Drusilla?
Drusilla has celtic and latin origins. The name traces back to *dru- > Drausus > Drūsus > Drūsĭānus. From its celtic roots, Drusilla spread to become common in english, spanish, french, italian and other cultures. The celtic meaning "This name derives from the Roman praenomen and cognomen “Drusus,” typical of the clan Claudia and Livia, and then inherited by the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The name could derive from the Old Celtic “*dru- > Drausus,” meaning “strong, courageous, valiant.” 1) Drusus Julius Caesar (7–33 AD) was a member of the Julio-Claudian or Imperial family of Ancient Rome. He was a son of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder. He was a brother to Emperor Caligula, nephew to Emperor Claudius. 2) Drusus the Elder (38–9 BC) was a Roman politician and military commander. He was a patrician Claudian on his legal father’s side, but his maternal grandmother was from a plebeian family. 3) Drusilla (38–79 AD) was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I and thus sister to Berenice, Mariamne, and Herod Agrippa II. 4) Drusilla of Mauretania may be the Drusilla mentioned by Tacitus as Antonius and Cleopatra’s granddaughter. If so, she would have been a princess of Mauretania, the youngest child of queen Cleopatra Selene II and king Juba II and a sister to King Ptolemy of Mauretania." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Drusilla a boy or girl name?
Drusilla is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In celtic tradition, Drusilla has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Roman praenomen and cognomen “Drusus,” typical of the clan Claudia and Livia, and then inherited by the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The name could derive from the Old Celtic “*dru- > Drausus,” meaning “strong, courageous, valiant.” 1) Drusus Julius Caesar (7–33 AD) was a member of the Julio-Claudian or Imperial family of Ancient Rome. He was a son of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder. He was a brother to Emperor Caligula, nephew to Emperor Claudius. 2) Drusus the Elder (38–9 BC) was a Roman politician and military commander. He was a patrician Claudian on his legal father’s side, but his maternal grandmother was from a plebeian family. 3) Drusilla (38–79 AD) was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I and thus sister to Berenice, Mariamne, and Herod Agrippa II. 4) Drusilla of Mauretania may be the Drusilla mentioned by Tacitus as Antonius and Cleopatra’s granddaughter. If so, she would have been a princess of Mauretania, the youngest child of queen Cleopatra Selene II and king Juba II and a sister to King Ptolemy of Mauretania." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Drusilla?
Drusilla is pronounced "/drʊˈzɪl.ə/". This pronunciation follows ce language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Drusilla is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, spanish, french, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with celtic names, listening to a native speaker say Drusilla can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Drusilla?
Drusilla is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Drusilla gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Drusilla's popularity may vary between celtic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Roman praenomen and cognomen “Drusus,” typical of the clan Claudia and Livia, and then inherited by the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The name could derive from the Old Celtic “*dru- > Drausus,” meaning “strong, courageous, valiant.” 1) Drusus Julius Caesar (7–33 AD) was a member of the Julio-Claudian or Imperial family of Ancient Rome. He was a son of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder. He was a brother to Emperor Caligula, nephew to Emperor Claudius. 2) Drusus the Elder (38–9 BC) was a Roman politician and military commander. He was a patrician Claudian on his legal father’s side, but his maternal grandmother was from a plebeian family. 3) Drusilla (38–79 AD) was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I and thus sister to Berenice, Mariamne, and Herod Agrippa II. 4) Drusilla of Mauretania may be the Drusilla mentioned by Tacitus as Antonius and Cleopatra’s granddaughter. If so, she would have been a princess of Mauretania, the youngest child of queen Cleopatra Selene II and king Juba II and a sister to King Ptolemy of Mauretania." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Drusilla holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Drusilla commonly used?
Drusilla spans multiple cultures, including english, spanish, french, and 6 other traditions. Though celtic in origin, Drusilla found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Drusilla, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Roman praenomen and cognomen “Drusus,” typical of the clan Claudia and Livia, and then inherited by the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The name could derive from the Old Celtic “*dru- > Drausus,” meaning “strong, courageous, valiant.” 1) Drusus Julius Caesar (7–33 AD) was a member of the Julio-Claudian or Imperial family of Ancient Rome. He was a son of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder. He was a brother to Emperor Caligula, nephew to Emperor Claudius. 2) Drusus the Elder (38–9 BC) was a Roman politician and military commander. He was a patrician Claudian on his legal father’s side, but his maternal grandmother was from a plebeian family. 3) Drusilla (38–79 AD) was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I and thus sister to Berenice, Mariamne, and Herod Agrippa II. 4) Drusilla of Mauretania may be the Drusilla mentioned by Tacitus as Antonius and Cleopatra’s granddaughter. If so, she would have been a princess of Mauretania, the youngest child of queen Cleopatra Selene II and king Juba II and a sister to King Ptolemy of Mauretania." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Drusilla into their naming traditions. A child named Drusilla will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Drusilla is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Drusilla?
Drusilla carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Roman praenomen and cognomen “Drusus,” typical of the clan Claudia and Livia, and then inherited by the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The name could derive from the Old Celtic “*dru- > Drausus,” meaning “strong, courageous, valiant.” 1) Drusus Julius Caesar (7–33 AD) was a member of the Julio-Claudian or Imperial family of Ancient Rome. He was a son of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder. He was a brother to Emperor Caligula, nephew to Emperor Claudius. 2) Drusus the Elder (38–9 BC) was a Roman politician and military commander. He was a patrician Claudian on his legal father’s side, but his maternal grandmother was from a plebeian family. 3) Drusilla (38–79 AD) was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I and thus sister to Berenice, Mariamne, and Herod Agrippa II. 4) Drusilla of Mauretania may be the Drusilla mentioned by Tacitus as Antonius and Cleopatra’s granddaughter. If so, she would have been a princess of Mauretania, the youngest child of queen Cleopatra Selene II and king Juba II and a sister to King Ptolemy of Mauretania." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In celtic culture, where Drusilla originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Drusilla sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Drusilla often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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