Holding steady.
Popularity of Phylis since 1896
Babies named Phylis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1949, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Phylis's real moment was 1937.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 25 |
| 1910s | 261 |
| 1920s | 518 |
| 1930s | 625 |
| 1940s | 857 |
| 1950s | 641 |
| 1960s | 345 |
| 1970s | 60 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Phylis is a variant spelling of Phyllis, a name derived from the Greek word for 'leaf'. The name's popularity peaked in 1937, when it was most frequently given to newborn girls. Despite its peak in the 1930s, the name has remained stable in usage over the decades. While not currently ranked in the top 1000, Phylis retains a nostalgic charm associated with mid-20th-century naming trends.
Phylis is a variant spelling of Phyllis, derived 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 the 19th century and became popular in English-speaking countries, especially in the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Phyl, Lissie
Sibling names for Phylis
Names that share Phylis's style, for a brother or sister.
