Holding steady.
Popularity of Phylliss since 1917
Babies named Phylliss per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1950, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Phylliss's real moment was 1939.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 10 |
| 1920s | 85 |
| 1930s | 122 |
| 1940s | 145 |
| 1950s | 151 |
| 1960s | 78 |
| 1970s | 6 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Phylliss is a variant spelling of Phyllis, a name rooted in Greek mythology and meaning 'leaf'. Its peak year occurred in 1939, reflecting the name's popularity during the early-to-mid 20th century. Since then, usage has declined sharply, and as of 2025, it is stable at a very low level, with no rank or 1-in-N statistic available in recent decades. The name first entered U.S. records in 1917. While no top states are reported for this spelling, the standard form Phyllis was historically favored across the country. For parents seeking a distinctive spelling of a vintage name, Phylliss offers a rare alternative to the more common Phyllis.
Phylliss is a variant spelling of Phyllis, a name of Greek origin from phyllon (leaf). In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a Thracian princess who was transformed into an almond tree. The name saw widespread use in English-speaking countries beginning in the 19th century, with the variant spelling Phylliss emerging as a minor alternative. This spelling never achieved the popularity of the standard form.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Phyl, Lissie, Philly
Sibling names for Phylliss
Names that share Phylliss's style, for a brother or sister.
