Priskilla: a female name of Latin origin meaning "This name derives from Latin name “Priscus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “prior > prīscus / prīsca,” meaning “the first, the original, ancient, archaic, primitive, severe, old-fashioned".It derives from the Latin word "prior > prīscus / prīsca".
Priskilla has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Latin roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from Latin name “Priscus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “prior > prīscus / prīsca,” meaning “the first, the original, ancient, archaic, primitive, severe, old-fashioned" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Priskilla
Quick facts about Priskilla
Origin
Latin
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
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 Latin name “Priscus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “prior > prīscus / prīsca,” meaning “the first, the original, ancient, archaic, primitive, severe, old-fashioned.” 1) Saint Prisca was a young Roman woman allegedly tortured and executed for her Christian faith. She is revered as a saint and a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. 2) Priscilla and Aquila were a 1st-century Christian missionary married couple described in the New Testament and traditionally listed among the seventy disciples. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. 3) Prisco in Nocera (Nuceria Alfaterna, 3th-century) was an Italian bishop, first bishop of Nocera, patron of the city of Nocera Inferiore. His feast is on May 9, celebrated in Nocera with special festivities. 4) Priscus (~late 1st-century AD) was a Roman gladiator of Celtic origins. His combat with Verus was the highlighted entertainment of the opening day games sponsored by Titus to inaugurate the Flavian Amphitheatre in AD 80.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
prior > prīscus / prīsca
Other Scripts
Russian (Прискилла)
How to Pronounce Priskilla
Priskilla is pronounced /prɪˈskɪlə/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Pri-ski-lla
Say it like: "PREEHSKEEHLOOH"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Priskilla enjoys international appeal, used in 5 different linguistic and cultural contexts including russian, norwegian, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
russiannorwegianswedishdanishfinnish
Frequently Asked Questions About Priskilla
What does the name Priskilla mean?
Priskilla means "This name derives from Latin name “Priscus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “prior > prīscus / prīsca,” meaning “the first, the original, ancient, archaic, primitive, severe, old-fashioned.” 1) Saint Prisca was a young Roman woman allegedly tortured and executed for her Christian faith. She is revered as a saint and a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. 2) Priscilla and Aquila were a 1st-century Christian missionary married couple described in the New Testament and traditionally listed among the seventy disciples. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. 3) Prisco in Nocera (Nuceria Alfaterna, 3th-century) was an Italian bishop, first bishop of Nocera, patron of the city of Nocera Inferiore. His feast is on May 9, celebrated in Nocera with special festivities. 4) Priscus (~late 1st-century AD) was a Roman gladiator of Celtic origins. His combat with Verus was the highlighted entertainment of the opening day games sponsored by Titus to inaugurate the Flavian Amphitheatre in AD 80.". The name comes from prior > prīscus / prīsca. This latin name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Priskilla for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from Latin name “Priscus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “prior > prīscus / prīsca,” meaning “the first, the original, ancient, archaic, primitive, severe, old-fashioned.” 1) Saint Prisca was a young Roman woman allegedly tortured and executed for her Christian faith. She is revered as a saint and a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. 2) Priscilla and Aquila were a 1st-century Christian missionary married couple described in the New Testament and traditionally listed among the seventy disciples. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. 3) Prisco in Nocera (Nuceria Alfaterna, 3th-century) was an Italian bishop, first bishop of Nocera, patron of the city of Nocera Inferiore. His feast is on May 9, celebrated in Nocera with special festivities. 4) Priscus (~late 1st-century AD) was a Roman gladiator of Celtic origins. His combat with Verus was the highlighted entertainment of the opening day games sponsored by Titus to inaugurate the Flavian Amphitheatre in AD 80." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Priskilla 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 RELIGION (BISHOPS), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Priskilla?
Priskilla is a latin name. The name traces back to prior > prīscus / prīsca. In its native script, Priskilla is written as Russian (Прискилла). From its latin roots, Priskilla spread to become common in russian, norwegian, swedish, danish and other cultures. The latin meaning "This name derives from Latin name “Priscus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “prior > prīscus / prīsca,” meaning “the first, the original, ancient, archaic, primitive, severe, old-fashioned.” 1) Saint Prisca was a young Roman woman allegedly tortured and executed for her Christian faith. She is revered as a saint and a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. 2) Priscilla and Aquila were a 1st-century Christian missionary married couple described in the New Testament and traditionally listed among the seventy disciples. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. 3) Prisco in Nocera (Nuceria Alfaterna, 3th-century) was an Italian bishop, first bishop of Nocera, patron of the city of Nocera Inferiore. His feast is on May 9, celebrated in Nocera with special festivities. 4) Priscus (~late 1st-century AD) was a Roman gladiator of Celtic origins. His combat with Verus was the highlighted entertainment of the opening day games sponsored by Titus to inaugurate the Flavian Amphitheatre in AD 80." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Priskilla a boy or girl name?
Priskilla is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In latin tradition, Priskilla has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from Latin name “Priscus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “prior > prīscus / prīsca,” meaning “the first, the original, ancient, archaic, primitive, severe, old-fashioned.” 1) Saint Prisca was a young Roman woman allegedly tortured and executed for her Christian faith. She is revered as a saint and a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. 2) Priscilla and Aquila were a 1st-century Christian missionary married couple described in the New Testament and traditionally listed among the seventy disciples. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. 3) Prisco in Nocera (Nuceria Alfaterna, 3th-century) was an Italian bishop, first bishop of Nocera, patron of the city of Nocera Inferiore. His feast is on May 9, celebrated in Nocera with special festivities. 4) Priscus (~late 1st-century AD) was a Roman gladiator of Celtic origins. His combat with Verus was the highlighted entertainment of the opening day games sponsored by Titus to inaugurate the Flavian Amphitheatre in AD 80." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Priskilla?
Priskilla is pronounced "/prɪˈskɪlə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Russian (Прискилла), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Priskilla is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in russian, norwegian, swedish, 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 latin names, listening to a native speaker say Priskilla can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Priskilla?
Priskilla is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Priskilla gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Priskilla's popularity may vary between latin communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from Latin name “Priscus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “prior > prīscus / prīsca,” meaning “the first, the original, ancient, archaic, primitive, severe, old-fashioned.” 1) Saint Prisca was a young Roman woman allegedly tortured and executed for her Christian faith. She is revered as a saint and a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. 2) Priscilla and Aquila were a 1st-century Christian missionary married couple described in the New Testament and traditionally listed among the seventy disciples. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. 3) Prisco in Nocera (Nuceria Alfaterna, 3th-century) was an Italian bishop, first bishop of Nocera, patron of the city of Nocera Inferiore. His feast is on May 9, celebrated in Nocera with special festivities. 4) Priscus (~late 1st-century AD) was a Roman gladiator of Celtic origins. His combat with Verus was the highlighted entertainment of the opening day games sponsored by Titus to inaugurate the Flavian Amphitheatre in AD 80." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Priskilla holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Priskilla commonly used?
Priskilla spans multiple cultures, including russian, norwegian, swedish, and 2 other traditions. Though latin in origin, Priskilla found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Priskilla, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from Latin name “Priscus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “prior > prīscus / prīsca,” meaning “the first, the original, ancient, archaic, primitive, severe, old-fashioned.” 1) Saint Prisca was a young Roman woman allegedly tortured and executed for her Christian faith. She is revered as a saint and a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. 2) Priscilla and Aquila were a 1st-century Christian missionary married couple described in the New Testament and traditionally listed among the seventy disciples. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. 3) Prisco in Nocera (Nuceria Alfaterna, 3th-century) was an Italian bishop, first bishop of Nocera, patron of the city of Nocera Inferiore. His feast is on May 9, celebrated in Nocera with special festivities. 4) Priscus (~late 1st-century AD) was a Roman gladiator of Celtic origins. His combat with Verus was the highlighted entertainment of the opening day games sponsored by Titus to inaugurate the Flavian Amphitheatre in AD 80." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Priskilla into their naming traditions. A child named Priskilla 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, Priskilla is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Priskilla?
Priskilla carries associations with RELIGION (BISHOPS). 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 Latin name “Priscus,” which in turn derives from the Latin “prior > prīscus / prīsca,” meaning “the first, the original, ancient, archaic, primitive, severe, old-fashioned.” 1) Saint Prisca was a young Roman woman allegedly tortured and executed for her Christian faith. She is revered as a saint and a martyr by the Roman Catholic Church. 2) Priscilla and Aquila were a 1st-century Christian missionary married couple described in the New Testament and traditionally listed among the seventy disciples. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama film written and directed by Stephan Elliott. 3) Prisco in Nocera (Nuceria Alfaterna, 3th-century) was an Italian bishop, first bishop of Nocera, patron of the city of Nocera Inferiore. His feast is on May 9, celebrated in Nocera with special festivities. 4) Priscus (~late 1st-century AD) was a Roman gladiator of Celtic origins. His combat with Verus was the highlighted entertainment of the opening day games sponsored by Titus to inaugurate the Flavian Amphitheatre in AD 80." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In latin culture, where Priskilla 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 Priskilla sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Priskilla often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In russian 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.