Phyllis is a unique and elegant feminine given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "phyllo," which means "leaf." The name was originally associated with the Greek mythological figure Phyllis, who was transformed into an almond tree by the gods. According to the myth, Phyllis fell in love with Demophon, a king of Athens, and when he had to leave her, she pined away until she became the almond tree. When Demophon returned years later, he embraced the tree and Phyllis' spirit was released from it.
The name Phyllis began to be used as a given name during the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries such as England and America. It gained popularity in the early 20th century and remained quite popular until the mid-century. Today, while not as common as it once was, Phyllis is still considered an attractive and distinctive name choice for a girl.
Some notable individuals named Phyllis include American actress Phyllis Calvert, British novelist Phyllis Bottome, and American poet Phyllis Wheatley. Overall, Phyllis is a beautiful and meaningful name with a rich history that continues to be appreciated by many today.
Statistics on the given first name Phyllis over time in the United States reveal a fascinating trend that spans nearly two centuries.
The earliest recorded births of girls named Phyllis occurred between 1880 and 1890, with numbers ranging from just six births in 1880 to a peak of 42 births in 1890. This indicates that the name was relatively uncommon during this period.
However, between 1895 and 1907, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Phyllis, with birth numbers fluctuating between 65 and 352 births annually. This suggests that the name began to gain traction among parents during this time.
The early 20th century saw an unprecedented surge in the number of babies named Phyllis, reaching a peak of 7996 births in 1929. This period marked the height of popularity for the name Phyllis, with thousands of baby girls being given this name each year until World War II.
Post-war years brought a steady decline in the usage of the name Phyllis, with birth numbers dropping from a high of 8046 in 1946 to just 20 births in 2021. This trend suggests that the name has fallen out of favor among parents over time.
In conclusion, while once being one of the most popular girls' names in America, Phyllis has seen its popularity wane significantly over the past century. Despite this decline, it remains an enduring name with a rich history and no doubt continues to hold sentimental value for those who bear it or know someone who does.