Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Phylis
GirlGreek, English· “variant of Phyllis, foliage”
- Meaning
- variant of Phyllis, foliage
- Origin
- Greek, English
- Pronunciation
- FIH-lihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- Unranked
- US babies 2025
- 0
- Best rank
- #791 (1943)
- Peak year
- 1949
Meaning and origin of Phylis
Phylis is a Greek and English name that is usually said to mean “variant of Phyllis, foliage”.
Phylis is a spelling of Phyllis with a single l. Phyllis comes from the Greek phyllon, leaf, and in Greek legend Phyllis was a princess of Thrace who was transformed into an almond tree. The name was used by English poets for shepherdesses in pastoral verse and became a common girls' name in the early twentieth century. It is said FIH-lihs. Phyl is the usual nickname. Phylis is best seen as a variant rather than a separate name, and parents who like it usually choose Phyllis or Phillis.
Popularity over time
Phylis first appears in US Social Security records in 1896. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 22 different years, starting in 1923. Its best national rank was #791 in 1943, and the most babies received it in 1949, when 109 were named Phylis. It did not appear in the 2025 data, which only lists names given to at least five babies.
Its national rank moved from #1,037 in 1920 and #1,033 in 1950. Of the 3,342 US girls named Phylis since records began, 26% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 641 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Pauletta, Sanjuana, Phillis, Kathlene, and Regenia.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Phylis is usually pronounced FIH-lihs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with P and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Phylis
A few middle names that flow with Phylis: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Phylis
Similar names
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Lists that include Phylis
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Phylis mean?
Phylis is a Greek and English name that is usually said to mean “variant of Phyllis, foliage”.
What is the origin of the name Phylis?
Phylis has Greek and English roots. Phylis is a spelling of Phyllis with a single l.
Is Phylis a popular name?
No. Phylis was not recorded for five or more babies of its most common sex in 2025, so it is rare today.
Is Phylis a boy or girl name?
Phylis is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Phylis?
Phylis is usually pronounced FIH-lihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings