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Phyllis Girl

Popularity: #937 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationFILL-iss / /ˈfɪl.ɪs/

Greek; Latin

Meaning

Greek: 'leaf'; Latin: 'greenery'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Phyllis has its roots in ancient Greek, derived from the word "phullon," meaning "leaf" or "foliage." This etymology reflects a connection to nature, as the name evokes images of greenery and growth. The name was popularized in the classical era, particularly through the works of the Greek poet Theocritus in the 3rd century BCE, who used it in his pastoral poetry to symbolize beauty and the pastoral ideal. The name later transitioned into Latin as "Phyllis," maintaining its original form and meaning, before being adopted into Old French and subsequently into Middle English during the medieval period.

Phyllis gained prominence in the medieval era, particularly through its association with various literary and cultural figures. One notable reference is the character Phyllis in the 12th-century Latin poem "Theocritus' Idylls," which was translated and adapted into various vernacular languages. The name also appears in the context of medieval romance literature, where it often symbolizes idealized love and beauty. Additionally, Phyllis was used in the context of allegorical representations, such as in the works of the 15th-century poet John Skelton, who employed the name to evoke themes of love and nature.

Culturally, Phyllis has been associated with the pastoral tradition, representing the harmony between humanity and nature. The name has also been linked to various saints and figures in Christian hagiography, although no major saints bear the name. Its symbolic connection to nature and beauty has allowed it to endure through the centuries, with its use in literature and poetry reinforcing its cultural resonance. The diminutive form "Phyl" has occasionally been used, although it is less common in historical texts. Overall, Phyllis embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural significance that has persisted through time.

Trend Summary

Phyllis has experienced a decline in popularity in the United States since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Phyl
  • Phylly

International Variants

  • Filippa (Italian)
  • Filiz (Turkish)

Famous people named Phyllis

Phyllis Diller was a comedian and actress best known for her stand-up comedy, The Pruitts of Southampton, and her voice role in A Bug's Life.

Phyllis Schlafly was an author and conservative activist best known for her opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment and her book A Choice Not an Echo.

Phyllis Newman is an actress and singer best known for her work in Broadway musicals, including Subways Are for Sleeping and The Madwoman of Central Park West.

Fictional characters named Phyllis

Phyllis Vance is a fictional character from the TV series The Office. She is a saleswoman at Dunder Mifflin and known for her motherly demeanor and occasional sharp wit.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Phyllis was first seen in the United States in 1880. Phyllis has ranked as high as #71 nationally, which occurred in 1947, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Phyllis has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Phyllis (2013)

StateBirthsShare
CA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18806
18815
18828
188315
188416
188511
188620
188718
188829
188925
189042
189131
189231
189353
189456
189565
189669
189767
1898108
1899111
1900124
1901124
1902164
1903150
1904181
1905183
1906195
1907262
1908288
1909352
1910392
1911527
1912779
19131,054
19141,407
19152,088
19162,427
19172,696
19183,326
19193,189
19203,852
19214,590
19224,935
19235,476
19246,267
19256,486
19266,921
19277,425
19287,924
19297,995
19307,770
19317,213
19327,308
19337,111
19347,180
19357,369
19367,374
19377,245
19387,644
19397,590
19407,416
19417,346
19427,793
19437,609
19447,022
19456,530
19468,048
19479,187
19487,876
19497,315
19506,695
19516,791
19526,151
19535,962
19545,763
19555,690
19565,642
19575,305
19585,083
19594,684
19604,437
19613,841
19623,496
19633,246
19642,895
19652,464
19661,938
19671,396
19681,087
1969904
1970767
1971625
1972503
1973404
1974307
1975325
1976241
1977238
1978222
1979204
1980181
1981182
1982178
1983172
1984151
1985129
1986107
1987120
1988115
198995
199085
199182
199279
199387
199469
199569
199670
199756
199846
199943
200040
200142
200235
200329
200426
200531
200625
200724
200820
200923
201025
201120
201213
201319
201422
201522
201621
201721
201818
201915
202020
202111
202215
20237
202413