Holding steady.
Popularity of Philis since 1917
Babies named Philis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1949, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Philis's real moment was 1942.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 15 |
| 1920s | 24 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 67 |
| 1950s | 64 |
| 1960s | 37 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Philis is a variant spelling of Phyllis, a name that enjoyed its greatest popularity in the United States during the 1940s. According to Social Security data, the name first appeared in records in 1917 and reached its peak rank in 1942, though specific rank and one-in-N figures are not available due to its rarity. The name has remained relatively stable in usage since then, with no significant resurgence. While never extremely common, Phyllis and its variants were part of a wave of classical and mythological names that appealed to parents in the early 20th century. The spelling Philis, with one 'l' and an 'i', is a less common variant that maintains the same pronunciation and Greek origin.
Philis is a variant spelling of Phyllis, from the Greek name Phyllis, meaning "leafy, foliage." In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a Thracian princess who was transformed into an almond tree. The name was revived in English-speaking countries in the 19th century and saw moderate popularity in the early to mid-20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Phil, Lissie
Sibling names for Philis
Names that share Philis's style, for a brother or sister.
