Phyllis
Meaning of Phyllis
The name Phyllis has its origins in Greek mythology, where it was borne by a character who was transformed into an almond tree after her death. The name itself means "foliage" or "greenery," reflecting a connection to nature and growth. Pronounced as FIL-is (/ˈfɪl ɪs/), Phyllis has been used predominantly as a feminine name but is also considered unisex. Despite its ancient roots, the popularity of Phyllis saw significant fluctuations over the years in the United States. It reached its peak in the mid-20th century, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s, making it a classic choice with historical depth. While less common in recent decades, Phyllis remains a timeless option for those seeking a name with both mythological significance and a touch of vintage charm. Variations of the name include Phylis, offering slight alternatives for modern parents considering this enduringly elegant name for their child.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as FIL-is (/ˈfɪl ɪs/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Phyllis
| Phyllis Ada Diller was a multi-talented American entertainer known for her eccentric stage persona and self-deprecating humor. |
| Phyllis Linda Hyman was a renowned American singer, songwriter, and actress, best known for her music from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, including hits like "You Know How to Love Me," "Living All Alone," and "Don't Wanna Change the World." |
| Phyllis Ann George was an American businesswoman, actress, and sportscaster who made history as one of the first women in national televised sports broadcasting and served as the First Lady of Kentucky. |
| Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is a renowned American writer famous for her children's and young adult fiction, particularly the "Shiloh" quartet and the controversial "Alice" book series. |
| Phyllis Logan is a Scottish actress famous for her roles in Lovejoy and Downton Abbey, and she won the BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer in 1983. |
| Phyllis Newman was an accomplished American actress and singer, known for her Tony Award-winning performance in Subways Are for Sleeping and her nominations for Broadway Bound and Drama Desk Awards. |
| Phyllis Galembo is an American photographer based in New York City. |
| Phyllis Thaxter - Phyllis St. Felix Thaxter was a renowned American actress, famous for her roles in "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo" and "Superman," as well as appearances in "Bewitched," "Blood on the Moon," and "The World of Henry Orient." |
| Phyllis Wise - Phyllis M. Wise is a prominent biomedical researcher and the current Chief Executive Officer and President of Colorado Longitudinal Study. |
| Phyllis Jeanne Somerville was a renowned American actress known for her work in Little Children, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Surviving Family, The Big C, and Outsiders. |
| Phyllis Bethune - Phyllis Dagmar Drummond Bethune was a notable New Zealand artist. |
| Phyllis Fay Gotlieb was a Canadian science fiction novelist and poet. |
| Phyllis A. Balch - Phyllis A. Henning Balch was the author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." |
| Phyllis Borzi - Phyllis C. Borzi served as the Assistant Secretary for Employee Benefits Security under the Obama administration, overseeing the Employee Benefits Security Administration. |
| Phyllis Marie Powers is a distinguished Career Ambassador in the United States Foreign Service, having served as the United States Ambassador to Nicaragua and Panama, as well as in senior positions in several US Embassies. |
