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Home › Baby Names Directory › Phillis

Phillis

♀ Girl

Pronounced FIL-is /ˈfɪl.ɪs/Medium

Meaning: A spelling of Phyllis, from the Greek 'phyllon,' 'leaf; foliage; green bough.' In myth Phyllis was transformed into an almond tree. An early-to-mid-century American form.Low

In 30 seconds: A leafy old name: Phillis spins Phyllis ('green bough,' Greek), said 'FIL-is.' Vintage and rare.
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Origin LowGreek
MeaningA spelling of Phyllis, from the Greek 'phyllon,' 'leaf; foliage; green bough.' In myth Phyllis was transformed into an almond tree. An early-to-mid-century American form.
U.S. rank (2000)#11523 ↗ Rising
2000 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1949
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,677

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194918822000

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Phillis respells Phyllis, from the Greek for 'foliage; green bough,' a mythic figure turned almond tree; the poet Phillis Wheatley bore this very spelling. It saw mid-century use, peaked in 1949, and faded after (said 'FIL-is').

Phillis belonged to the mid-century generation and has grown rare since. Rare, vintage, and leafy.

Did you know? Phillis is a spelling of Phyllis ('foliage') that peaked around 1949 — echoing colonial poet Phillis Wheatley.
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Phillis — Variant of Phyllis; Greek 'green bough'; poet Phillis Wheatley

Variations

PhyllisPhilisPhylis

Nicknames

PhilLissie

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Phillis…

Phyllis— the standard spelling
Phylis— a like spelling cousin
Phoebe— a like Greek pick
Doris— a like vintage -is name

Explore names like Phillis

By themevintagevariant-spellinggreek-rooted1940s

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Phillis mean?

Phillis is a variant of Phyllis, from the Greek for 'foliage; green bough.'

How do you pronounce Phillis?

It's said FIL-is /ˈfɪl.ɪs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Phillis a boy or girl name?

Phillis is used here as a girl's name.

How popular is Phillis?

Phillis peaked in the late nineteen-forties and is rare today.

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