Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Phillis has its origins in Greek, meaning 'loving' or 'beloved'. It evolved from the Greek Phyllis and became popular in English literature in the 17th century. The name is associated with themes of love and has historical significance through notable figures. There is no biblical relevance associated with this name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈfɪlɪs/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Phillis is derived from the Greek word 'philos', meaning 'loving' or 'beloved'. It also has connections to the Greek mythological character Phyllis, who was a princess of Thrace and is associated with the story of love and loss.
Meaning
loving, beloved
Language Evolution
Phyllis (Greek), Phyllis (Latin), Phillis (English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 17th century, particularly in England, partly due to the influence of literature and poetry where it was often used as a pastoral name.
Variants & Derivatives
Phyllis, Philippa, Phil
Modern Popularity & Image
Phillis is considered a somewhat classic name and is not as commonly used today. It may evoke images of elegance and literary associations.
Famous People
Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American female poet, Phillis Schafly, a conservative activist and author
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 118 peak births in 1949
Geographic Spread
Popular across 23 US states, with strongest presence in Alabama
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (8 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 8 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7162nd of 7545 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1358th of 9107 | 581 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1029th of 9204 | 931 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1120th of 12526 | 1,601 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2846th of 19264 | 407 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 11872nd of 27321 | 69 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 28314th of 35406 | 13 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
71.26% 1009th/1416 |
- |
88.93% 2104th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
59.90% 926th/1546 |
95.76% 1490th/1556 |
59.54% 1401st/2353 |
88.17% 1364th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
55.46% 1235th/2227 |
77.16% 1875th/2430 |
29.09% 830th/2853 |
53.48% 1484th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
95.27% 2798th/2937 |
78.87% 2747th/3483 |
59.21% 2083rd/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Alabama across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7162nd out of 7545 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1358th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1029th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1120th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2846th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11872nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 28314th out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.