Drusilla
droo-SIL-uh
Drusilla is an elegant, classical name with Roman origins that carries connotations of strength and ancient aristocracy. It was borne by several notable women in Roman history and appears in the New Testament, giving it both historical weight and scriptural resonance. In English use it projects a refined, somewhat dramatic character.
At a glance
Drusilla is a Roman feminine name derived from the Drusus family of ancient Rome, carried into English usage primarily through the New Testament. Elegant and classical, it was favoured by Puritan and Victorian English families and retains a refined, dramatically beautiful quality for modern use.
Etymology & History
Drusilla is the feminine diminutive of the Roman family name Drusus, a surname of the ancient Livian gens believed to derive from a Gaulish or Germanic root. The name entered English usage primarily through the King James Bible, where Drusilla is mentioned as the wife of the governor Felix. It was used occasionally in English-speaking countries from the seventeenth century onward, favoured by those with classical or Puritan naming sensibilities.
Cultural Significance
Drusilla has a distinguished presence in both Roman imperial history and the early Christian tradition. In ancient Rome, Drusilla was the name of the beloved sister of the Emperor Caligula, who reportedly worshipped her as a goddess after her early death, as well as of Julia Drusilla, daughter of the emperor Germanicus. In the New Testament she appears in the Acts of the Apostles as the Jewish wife of the Roman governor Felix before whom Saint Paul appeared. In England the name gained its principal foothold through the King James Bible and was adopted by Puritan families in the seventeenth century who favoured biblical names of classical origin. It appeared occasionally in Victorian literature and records, carrying an air of educated antiquity. In contemporary Britain, Drusilla is very rare but is occasionally revived by parents drawn to classical Roman names. Its five syllables and rolling sound give it an unmistakably grand, theatrical quality.
Famous people named Drusilla
Drusilla (sister of Caligula)
Roman noblewoman (16-38 AD), beloved sister of the Emperor Caligula, who deified her after her death and named a province in her honour.
Drusilla (wife of Felix)
Jewish princess mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as the wife of the Roman governor Felix, before whom Saint Paul was tried, an appearance that introduced the name to the Christian tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Drusilla
Aurelia
“Golden”
Aurelia comes from the Latin 'aureus', meaning golden or gilded, itself derived from 'aurum', the Latin word for gold. It was the name of a distinguished Roman gens, the Aurelii, and was borne by the mother of Julius Caesar. The name evokes warmth, radiance and enduring value, qualities associated with gold across all cultures. It has enjoyed a refined revival in recent years as parents rediscover the beauty of classical Latin names.
Cecilia
“Blind, heavenly”
Cecilia is the feminine form of the Roman family name Caecilius, itself derived from the Latin 'caecus' meaning blind. Despite the literal meaning, the name has always been associated with beauty and music through Saint Cecilia, the early Christian martyr revered as the patron saint of music and musicians. The name carries a melodious, refined quality that has made it a perennial favourite across centuries of European naming.
Cordelia
“Heart, daughter of the sea”
Cordelia is thought to derive from the Celtic word 'creddyled' meaning jewel of the sea, or from the Latin 'cor' meaning heart. It carries a poetic dual meaning, evoking both oceanic depth and heartfelt devotion.
Cornelia
“Horn, strong”
Cornelia derives from the Roman gens Cornelia, one of the most ancient and revered patrician families of the Roman Republic, whose name ultimately traces to the Latin cornu, meaning 'horn', a symbol of strength, durability, and plenty. The name became legendary through Cornelia Africana, the educated, virtuous mother of the Gracchi brothers, who was held up as the ideal Roman matron across centuries of Western history. In the German tradition Cornelia was adopted during the Renaissance as a mark of humanist learning and classical culture, carrying those same associations of educated, principled womanhood.
Lavinia
“Woman of Lavinium”
Lavinia was the daughter of King Latinus in Roman mythology and the wife of Aeneas, the Trojan hero whose descendants founded Rome. The ancient city of Lavinium, considered the first city of what would become the Roman civilisation, was named in her honour. The name's exact etymology is uncertain, possibly pre-Latin in origin, but its mythological resonance is profound: Lavinia represents the founding mother of Rome, a figure of grace, dignity, and historical grandeur. The name has a flowing, musical quality that has kept it alive through many centuries of European history.
Octavia
“Eighth”
Octavia is a Latin name meaning eighth, from the Latin word octavus. It was a common name in ancient Rome, traditionally given to the eighth child or eighth daughter in a family. The most celebrated bearer in antiquity was Octavia Minor, the beloved sister of Emperor Augustus and wife of Mark Antony, whose dignity and grace made her one of the most admired women of the Roman world. Today the name is chosen for its classical elegance rather than birth order, and it has enjoyed a quiet, sustained revival among parents seeking something distinctive and historically rich.
Where you'll find Drusilla
Drusilla shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.