Phyllis
Phyllis is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Foliage, green branch, or leaf.
Origin and history
Phyllis is a given name of Ancient Greek origin meaning 'foliage' or 'green branch'. In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a maiden who was transformed into an almond tree after dying of grief. It was very popular in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, though it is rarely given to newborns today.
Popularity in the United States
322,496 babies in the United States have been named Phyllis since 1880. It ranks #122 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #2028.
States where it is most popular
- NY (9.4 %)
- PA (6.5 %)
- IL (6.4 %)
- OH (6.3 %)
- MI (4.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 153 |
| 1890-1900 | 633 |
| 1900-1910 | 2,023 |
| 1910-1920 | 17,885 |
| 1920-1930 | 61,871 |
| 1930-1940 | 73,805 |
| 1940-1950 | 76,143 |
| 1950-1960 | 57,764 |
| 1960-1970 | 25,704 |
| 1970-1980 | 3,835 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,430 |
| 1990-2000 | 686 |
| 2000-2010 | 295 |
| 2010-2019 | 196 |
| 2020-2029 | 73 |
Famous people named Phyllis
- Phyllis Diller: Comedian, Actress
- Phyllis Schlafly: Activist, Author
- Phyllis Hyman: Singer, Actress
Nicknames
Phyl
Fun facts
- In Greek legend, Phyllis was a Thracian princess who turned into a leafless almond tree while waiting for her lover Demophon.
- Phyllis ranked among the top 50 female names in the United States from the 1920s through the 1940s.