Declining since 1988.
Popularity of Phylicia since 1968
Babies named Phylicia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 1,203 |
| 1990s | 962 |
| 2000s | 159 |
| 2010s | 35 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Phylicia is a modern American invention that first appeared in the Social Security Administration's records in 1968, a time when creative respellings were gaining popularity. It experienced a notable rise, peaking in 1987 before entering a steady decline from 1988 onward. Though the name has never ranked among the top 1,000 nationally, its usage mirrors trends that favor distinctive feminine names. Parents in the 1980s were drawn to its lyrical sound, likely influenced by actress Phylicia Rashād, though the name remains rare overall, occurring in roughly 1 in every 50,000 births at its height. Today it is uncommon but continues to be chosen by families seeking a unique variant of established favorites like Felicia or Phyllis.
Phylicia is a modern American coinage that emerged in the late 1960s, likely as a variant of Felicia (from Latin felix, 'fortunate') or Phyllis (from Greek phyllis, 'leaf'), given a distinctive spelling with 'Phy' and 'cia'. It saw peak use in the 1980s, following the rise of actress Phylicia Rashād (born 1948), though the name's exact derivation remains debated.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Phyli, Licia, Lish
Sibling names for Phylicia
Names that share Phylicia's style, for a brother or sister.
