Priscilla

Priscilla is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from Prisca, the feminine form of Priscus, and carries the meaning ancient or venerable. The suffix -illa is a diminutive, giving Priscilla the sense of “little ancient one” though it is used as a proper name in its own right. The name has been used in English since the Middle Ages and remains in use today.

In early Christian usage, Prisca (also rendered Priscilla) is a prominent figure in the New Testament. She and her husband Aquila were a Christian missionary couple who hosted a house church in their home and contributed to teaching and founding Christian communities in Corinth and Ephesus (Acts 18; Romans 16). The pairing Priscilla and Aquila is one of the best-documented early Christian couples.

Notable people named Priscilla include Priscilla Presley (born 1945), American actress and businesswoman; Priscilla Chan (born 1985), physician and philanthropist; Priscilla Shirer (born 1974), author, actress, and speaker; and Priscilla Barnes (born 1955), American actress. The name has also appeared in other contexts and remains a recognized choice in various English-speaking countries.

Priscilla remains in common use, though it is less common today than in the mid-20th century. It has associations with classical antiquity and Christian history and appears in popular culture, including the title of the 1994 film Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Related forms include Prisca and other language variants.