Phyllis
Phyllis is a girl name of Greek origin, meaning “Foliage, leafy”.
| Meaning | Foliage, leafy |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Greek |
| Pronunciation | FIL-iss |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United Kingdom, United States |
Meaning and origin of Phyllis
Phyllis comes from the Greek phyllon, 'leaf', so it means something like 'leafy' or 'green branch'. In Greek myth Phyllis was a Thracian princess who, abandoned by her lover, was turned into an almond tree that burst into leaf when he returned. Classical and pastoral poets often used it as a name for country girls, and it became a real given name in England in the sixteenth century. It peaked in the early twentieth century.
Is Phyllis a religious name?
Phyllis comes from Greek mythology and poetry, not from the Bible, and has no particular religious background.
How popular is Phyllis?
Popular around 1910 to 1930; rare for babies today.
Gifts with the name Phyllis
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Spellings and variants of Phyllis
Names similar to Phyllis
More girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Phyllis mean?
Phyllis means 'Foliage, leafy'. It is of Greek origin.
Does Phyllis have a religious meaning?
Phyllis comes from Greek mythology and poetry, not from the Bible, and has no particular religious background.
How do you pronounce Phyllis?
Phyllis is pronounced FIL-iss.
Is Phyllis a boy or girl name?
Phyllis is usually a girl name.