Phillis

Meaning & origin

Phillis reached its peak popularity in 1949, with the name seeing its highest frequency of use in U.S. records during that decade. Despite being a variant of the more common Phyllis, Phillis has remained relatively stable in usage, though it has never been among the top ranks. The name's first recorded use in the U.S. dates to 1882, placing it among longer-established feminine names. Over time, Phillis has seen a trajectory of steady but modest use, never experiencing the dramatic spikes of more fashionable names. Its origins tie it to Greek mythology and the Latin alphabet, giving it a classic literary feel. Today, Phillis remains a rare choice, with fewer than five births per year in recent decades.

Phillis is a variant spelling of Phyllis, which derives from the Greek word phyllon meaning 'leaf'. In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a Thracian princess who was transformed into an almond tree. The name was revived in England during the 16th century and became common in the 18th and 19th centuries. The spelling Phillis emerged as an alternative, peaking in the U.S. in the 1940s.