Philis is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "philia," which means "friendship" or "love." In ancient Greek culture, philia was one of the four forms of love, along with eros (romantic love), agape (selfless love), and storge (familial love).
The name Philis has a rich history in literature and mythology. One of the most notable characters named Philis is Philisides, a bard who appears in Homer's "Iliad." Philisides is known for his wisdom and skill in poetry, and he is considered one of the greatest bards of ancient Greece.
Another famous character with the name Philis is Philis, the wife of King Priam of Troy. According to myth, Philis was the mother of the Trojan hero Hector. Her name is often associated with courage and strength, as she was said to have raised her son to be a great warrior.
Throughout history, the name Philis has been used by various notable figures. For example, Philis was the given name of several early Christian saints, including Saint Philis of Rome and Saint Philis of Nola. Additionally, there were several philosophers and writers throughout history who bore the name Philis, such as Philis of Alexandria, a Hellenistic philosopher, and Philis the Grammarian, an ancient Greek scholar.
In modern times, the name Philis has become more popular as a given name for girls. It is often associated with qualities such as wisdom, love, and friendship. Despite its origins in ancient Greece, the name Philis remains relevant today, carrying with it a rich history and meaningful symbolism.
The name Philis experienced varying popularity throughout the years in the United States, with a total of 217 babies being named Philis between 1917 and 1973.
The peak years for this name were during the mid-40s to early-50s. In fact, the most popular year for the name Philis was in 1949 with a total of 11 births that year. This trend continued into the early 50s as well, with 9 births each in both 1953 and 1954.
However, the popularity of the name Philis gradually declined over time. By the mid-60s to late-70s, there were fewer than 10 births per year for this name. For example, there were only 5 births each in both 1964 and 1966.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity throughout the years, Philis remains a unique and notable name choice with a rich history in the United States.