Phyllis is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "phullon," which means "mallow." Mallow was a plant that was believed to have healing properties in ancient Greece. The name Phyllis was used in ancient Greek literature and mythology, often associated with nature and the earth.
The name Phyllis became popular in England during the Victorian era, around the 19th century. It was introduced through the works of the Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott, who used it as a character's name in his poem "Marmion." Since then, Phyllis has been used as a given name for girls in English-speaking countries.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Phyllis. One famous example is Phyllis Wheatley, an African-American poet who was born in the 18th century and became known for her skillful writing during slavery times. Another notable figure is Phyllis Frelich, an American actress who was deaf and played a significant role in advancing accessibility in theater.
In terms of popularity, Phyllis has been used consistently as a given name throughout history but has seen fluctuations in its rank among baby names over time. As of recent data, it remains a less common name compared to other popular choices, giving it a unique and distinctive quality.
The name Phyllis experienced a rise in popularity during the early to mid-20th century in the United States, with a total of 871 babies named Phyllis born between 1913 and 1971.
In the earliest years recorded, there were fluctuations in the number of births, with five girls named Phyllis born in both 1913 and 1915, seven in 1914, ten in 1917, and seven in 1918. However, starting from the year 1924, there was a significant increase in the number of newborns given the name Phyllis.
The peak in popularity occurred during the late 1930s to early 1940s, with the highest number of births recorded at 34 in 1940. This trend continued until 1945 when the number of births began to decline steadily. By 1953, only five babies were named Phyllis.
Throughout the remainder of the years recorded, the popularity of the name Phyllis continued to decrease gradually. Between 1960 and 1971, the average number of annual births was less than ten, with the lowest being six in 1963. The most recent year included in this data set is 1971, with seven births recorded.
Overall, while the name Phyllis enjoyed a period of popularity during the mid-20th century, its usage has decreased significantly since then. Despite this decline, it remains an historic and notable name in American naming history due to its once-popular status.