Prisca

Prisca is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It derives from the adjective Priscus, meaning "ancient" or "old," and the feminine form Prisca appears in Latin literature and early Christian usage. The name has various variants across languages, including Priscilla in English, and Prisca forms in Italian and other Romance languages.

In Christian tradition, Prisca is the Latin form of Priscilla, the wife of Aquila, a co-worker of Paul described in Acts 18:2-3 and Romans 16:3. Together they hosted a house church in Corinth and later in Ephesus, and they are regarded as early Christian teachers and missionaries.

Saint Prisca is venerated in some Christian calendars; in Catholic and Orthodox lists, the name is associated with a virgin-martyr figure, though historical details vary by tradition. Feast day, when present, differs between communities.

In modern times, Prisca remains relatively uncommon but is used in Italian, French, Portuguese, and English-language communities. It is sometimes chosen by parents seeking a classic, historically rooted name with religious associations. The name’s cognate Priscilla remains more widely used in English-speaking contexts, while Prisca retains a distinct presence in Romance-language settings.