Origin and meaning of the name Prescillia

Prescilla is a variant of the female given name Priscilla, which originates from the Latin word "Prisca," meaning ancient or venerable. The name was popularized by early Christian figures such as Saint Priscilla, who was a prominent figure in the New Testament and one of the first converts to Christianity. The spelling variations of Prescilla, Priscilla, Prisca, etc., are due to translations and regional variations over time.

Learn more about the origin of the name Prescillia

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Prescillia

The name Prescilla is a variant of the traditional female given name Priscilla, which has roots in Latin and Greek origins. In Latin, it derives from the word "priscus" meaning 'old', 'ancient' or 'venerable'. In Greek, it stems from the name "Priskillē", formed by combining the elements 'Pris-' (meaning 'belonging to Priam') and 'kille' (a diminutive form of 'battle'). The name Priscilla was popular among early Christians, with Biblical figures such as Priscilla and Aquila being notable bearers of this name. Over time, the name Prescilla has emerged as a slightly more uncommon variant, retaining the ancient connotations of wisdom, respect, and Christian heritage associated with its original form.

Character traits associated with the name Prescillia

The name Prescilla is often associated with individuals who possess a strong sense of empathy and compassion. They are known for their nurturing and caring nature, making them natural caregivers and loyal friends. Prescillas tend to be highly intuitive and perceptive, allowing them to understand others' feelings easily. Their deep emotional intelligence enables them to provide support and guidance when needed.

Moreover, Prescillas are typically creative and artistic. They have a keen eye for detail and appreciate beauty in various forms. This creativity often spills over into their personal and professional lives, making them innovative problem solvers.

Prescillas are also known for their resilience. They face challenges head-on and never back down from a fight. Despite this tenacity, they remain gentle and diplomatic, preferring to find peaceful solutions whenever possible. Their ability to balance strength with kindness makes them respected and admired by others.

Popularity of the name Prescillia

The given name Prescilla is not commonly used in English-speaking countries and has low popularity. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration (SSA), Prescilla ranked outside the top 1,000 baby girl names in terms of popularity for every year between 2010 and 2020. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, Prescilla does not appear in the top 1,000 baby girl names as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The name may be more prevalent in specific communities or regions; however, its overall popularity remains relatively low compared to other female given names. Variations of this name such as Precious, Priscilla, and Presley have achieved higher levels of popularity in some countries and time periods.

Famous people with the name Prescillia

Precilla White (born 1960), also known as P. Diddy or Puff Daddy, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur who has been a prominent figure in the hip hop industry since the late 1990s. He founded Bad Boy Entertainment, which launched the careers of several successful artists such as Notorious B.I.G., Ma$e, and Faith Evans. In addition to his music career, White is also known for his numerous business ventures, including Sean John fashion line and Revolt TV.

Precilla Ahoure (born 1986) is an Ivorian sprinter who has represented Ivory Coast in the Olympic Games and World Championships. She holds the African record in the 200-meter dash and won a silver medal at the 2015 World Championships.

Precilla Beaulieu-Cruz (born 1968), better known as Anna Torv, is an Australian actress who gained international fame for her role as Olivia Dunham in the television series Fringe (2008–2013). She has also appeared in various other films and TV shows, including Mindhunter, and Manhunt: Unabomber.

Precilla Leong (born 1967) is a Hong Kong actress, singer, and model who began her career as a beauty pageant contestant. She has since starred in numerous television dramas and films, winning multiple awards for her performances. She is also known for her philanthropic work, including her contributions to cancer research and children's education.

Variations of the name Prescillia

The name Prescillia exhibits diverse spellings and pronunciations across various regions, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Some common variants include: Prescilla, Prescila, Preciliano (for male variations), Priscilla, Priscila, Precilie, Precilia, Precelie, Precelle, and Precellia. These versions share the root "Priscus" or "Prisca," which originally meant "ancient" in Latin. Over time, the name has been adapted to suit different languages and cultures. For instance, Priscila is a popular spelling in Portuguese-speaking countries, while Precilie is more common in French-speaking regions. Regardless of the specific spelling or pronunciation, Prescillia (or its variants) has continued to be an elegant and timeless choice for newborn girls around the world.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "prescillia"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends