Scilla as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Scilla

What is the meaning of the name Scilla ?

The baby name Scilla is a girl name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced SILL-ah.

Scilla is Greek, Italian, Latin in Origin.

Scilla has a double etymology. As a given name it is usually a clipped form of Latin Priscilla, a diminutive of Prisca, the feminine of the Roman cognomen Priscus; the adjective priscus signified ancient, former, or venerable. As an independent Italian name it also matches scilla, the squill plant, from Latin scilla or squilla, borrowed from Greek skilla, especially the sea squill.

Priscilla was familiar in early Christian contexts through Prisca or Priscilla, named in the New Testament alongside Aquila. Scilla remains rarer than Priscilla, with clearer use in Italy and occasional English-language use, as in British peace activist Scilla Elworthy, born Priscilla Elworthy, and Italian actress Scilla Gabel. The spelling Scylla evokes the Greek mythological figure in Homeric tradition, though modern bearers more often reflect the Priscilla short form or the Italian botanical word. Related forms include Prisca, Priscila, Priscille, and Cilla.