Phyllis
Phyllis is a boy's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Foliage, green branch, or leaf.
Origin and history
Phyllis is derived from the Greek word for foliage or green branch, originating in classical mythology. Although predominantly given to females in the United States, historical SSA records reflect limited usage for males in the early to mid-20th century. Today, the name is very rare for boys and considered a classic vintage name overall.
Popularity in the United States
871 babies in the United States have been named Phyllis since 1880. It ranks #3807 all-time.
States where it is most popular
- NY (68.8 %)
- PA (31.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 39 |
| 1920-1930 | 139 |
| 1930-1940 | 260 |
| 1940-1950 | 240 |
| 1950-1960 | 118 |
| 1960-1970 | 68 |
| 1970-1980 | 7 |
| 1980-1990 | 0 |
| 1990-2000 | 0 |
| 2000-2010 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 0 |
| 2020-2029 | 0 |
Nicknames
Phyl
Fun facts
- In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a maiden transformed into an almond tree after dying of love.
- Although primarily feminine, Phyllis appeared as a rare male name in the U.S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.