Holding steady.
Popularity of Phala since 1909
Babies named Phala per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1942, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Phala's real moment was 1909.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 19 |
| 1920s | 26 |
| 1930s | 28 |
| 1940s | 49 |
| 1950s | 13 |
| 1960s | 16 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Phala is an exceedingly rare name in the United States, first recorded in 1909 but never appearing in the Social Security Administration's annual top 1000 list. Its peak year was 1909, when it was given to fewer than 5 babies, and its trajectory has remained stable as a vanishingly uncommon choice. The name's origins are uncertain, though it may be related to the Greek word 'phalanx' or serve as a variant of the Gaelic name Fala. Because it has never been associated with any top states or notable figures, Phala remains a true obscurity among American given names. Parents considering it might appreciate its short, melodic sound and the blank slate it offers a child, free from celebrity or historical baggage.
The name Phala is of uncertain origin. It may be derived from the Greek word 'phalanx,' meaning 'line of battle,' though this connection is speculative. Alternatively, it could be a variant of the name Fala, which has Gaelic roots meaning 'wolf' or 'chieftain.' The name appears sporadically in early 20th-century U.S. records but has never gained widespread usage.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Fala
Sibling names for Phala
Names that share Phala's style, for a brother or sister.
