Priscilla
Feminine diminutive form of a Roman cognomen Prīscus, from Latin prīscus (“former, ancient, old-fashioned”).
Every Priscilla since 1880 — 123,040 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Priscilla
Priscilla is uncommon for girls in the United States, ranked #544 in 2025 with 555 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 123,040 American babies have been named Priscilla. Its peak came in 1942, when 1,998 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1940s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Priscilla stood among all girls' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Priscilla year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 555 | #544 | — | — |
| 2024 | 487 | #613 | — | — |
| 2023 | 452 | #650 | — | — |
| 2022 | 411 | #714 | — | — |
| 2021 | 478 | #622 | — | — |
| 2020 | 523 | #563 | — | — |
| 2019 | 487 | #618 | — | — |
| 2018 | 535 | #577 | — | — |
| 2017 | 592 | #527 | — | — |
| 2016 | 669 | #476 | — | — |
| 2015 | 636 | #501 | — | — |
| 2014 | 652 | #483 | — | — |
| 2013 | 637 | #479 | — | — |
| 2012 | 632 | #488 | — | — |
| 2011 | 612 | #485 | — | — |
| 2010 | 621 | #486 | — | — |
| 2009 | 772 | #413 | — | — |
| 2008 | 777 | #413 | — | — |
| 2007 | 876 | #374 | — | — |
| 2006 | 874 | #374 | — | — |
| 2005 | 909 | #346 | — | — |
| 2004 | 921 | #347 | — | — |
| 2003 | 1,080 | #288 | — | — |
| 2002 | 1,090 | #285 | — | — |
| 2001 | 1,130 | #279 | — | — |
| 2000 | 1,170 | #273 | — | — |
| 1995 | 1,307 | #215 | — | — |
| 1990 | 1,754 | #167 | 7 | #6,975 |
| 1985 | 1,701 | #167 | 14 | #3,344 |
| 1980 | 1,432 | #187 | 7 | #5,365 |
| 1975 | 722 | #317 | — | — |
| 1970 | 936 | #304 | 7 | #4,139 |
| 1965 | 945 | #284 | — | — |
| 1960 | 1,215 | #252 | 8 | #3,269 |
| 1955 | 1,280 | #226 | — | — |
| 1950 | 1,672 | #169 | — | — |
| 1945 | 1,412 | #166 | — | — |
| 1940 | 1,970 | #127 | 8 | #2,820 |
| 1935 | 774 | #223 | — | — |
| 1930 | 824 | #213 | 5 | #4,429 |
| 1925 | 830 | #224 | — | — |
| 1920 | 637 | #260 | — | — |
| 1915 | 392 | #292 | — | — |
| 1910 | 142 | #324 | — | — |
| 1905 | 88 | #361 | — | — |
| 1900 | 110 | #323 | — | — |
| 1895 | 63 | #352 | — | — |
| 1890 | 40 | #404 | — | — |
| 1885 | 32 | #362 | — | — |
| 1880 | 26 | #315 | — | — |
Famous people named Priscilla
- Priscilla Presley Companion · b. 1945
- Priscilla Pointer Actor · b. 1924
- Priscilla Lane Actor · 1915–1995
- Priscilla Cooper Tyler Politician · 1816–1889
- Priscilla Dean Actor · 1896–1987
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Priscilla mean?
Feminine diminutive form of a Roman cognomen Prīscus, from Latin prīscus (“former, ancient, old-fashioned”).
How popular is the name Priscilla in 2025?
Priscilla ranked #544 among girls' names in the United States in 2025, with 555 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Priscilla?
123,040 babies have been named Priscilla in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Priscilla most popular?
Priscilla peaked in 1942, when 1,998 newborns received the name.
Is Priscilla a boy or girl name?
Priscilla is overwhelmingly a girl's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Priscilla rising or falling?
Priscilla is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Priscilla?
Well-known people named Priscilla include Priscilla Presley (companion), Priscilla Pointer (actor), Priscilla Lane (actor).