Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Phyllis originates from Greek, meaning 'leaf'. It evolved from Ancient Greek to Latin and then to Old French before becoming popular in English. The name is associated with themes of love and transformation in mythology. It has a vintage charm and is less common today, but it still carries a unique appeal. There is no biblical relevance to this name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈfɪlɪs/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Phyllis comes from the Greek word 'phyllon', which means 'leaf'. In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a figure associated with love and transformation.
Meaning
leaf
Language Evolution
Phyllis (Ancient Greek), Phyllis (Latin), Phyllis (Old French)
Historical Usage
Phyllis gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, particularly due to its literary associations.
Variants & Derivatives
Phyl, Phylie, Phyllida
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Phyllis is perceived as a vintage name that evokes a sense of charm and nostalgia. It is less common today but retains a unique appeal.
Famous People
Phyllis Diller (comedian), Phyllis Schlafly (political activist), Phyllis Smith (actress)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 9,205 peak births in 1947
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 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 | 2871st of 7545 | 132 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1341st of 6773 | 470 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2245th of 7552 | 248 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7574th of 10718 | 21 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 71st of 9107 | 65,736 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 32nd of 9204 | 133,439 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 79th of 12526 | 108,107 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 333rd of 19264 | 11,806 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1358th of 27321 | 1,790 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4375th of 35406 | 498 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 6911th of 30306 | 204 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
55.78% 868th/1556 |
- | - |
| 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) |
2.54% 36th/1416 |
3.63% 50th/1379 |
8.66% 205th/2366 |
3.06% 35th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
1.42% 22nd/1546 |
2.06% 32nd/1556 |
2.25% 53rd/2353 |
2.46% 38th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
3.91% 87th/2227 |
3.83% 93rd/2430 |
1.61% 46th/2853 |
4.25% 118th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
13.14% 386th/2937 |
10.45% 364th/3483 |
7.02% 247th/3518 |
12.88% 521st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
34.14% 1258th/3685 |
30.44% 1362nd/4475 |
24.12% 1253rd/5194 |
29.40% 1857th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
78.20% 4038th/5164 |
100.00% 7313th/7313 |
63.94% 4772nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 6276th/6276 |
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 West Virginia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the MidWest 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 male in Northeast, 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 male in Northeast, 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 2871st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1341st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2245th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7574th out of 10718 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 71st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 32nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 79th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 333rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1358th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4375th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6911th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.