What does Philis mean and where does it come from?
Philis is a variant of the name Phyllis, which comes from the Greek 'phyllon,' meaning 'leaf.' In Greek mythology, Phyllis was turned into a tree, representing beauty and renewal. The name became popular in the English-speaking world during the Renaissance, particularly associated with pastoral poet
Cultural significance
Philis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of leaf.
Peak popularity
Reached #3128 in 1942 — currently #1163 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Philis?
Philis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Philis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Philis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Philis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Philis Claire
French influence · crisp
Philis Jane
Literary · strong
Philis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Philis right now?
Holding steady — currently #1163 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1163 | 1,037 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1168 | 1,017 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1173 | 987 | ▲ up 4857 · +16350% births |
| 1965 | #6030 | 6 | ▲ up 623 · +20% births |
| 1960 | #6653 | 5 | ▼ down 2111 · -37% births |
| 1955 | #4542 | 8 | ▼ down 407 |
| 1950 | #4135 | 8 | ▲ up 156 · +33% births |
| 1945 | #4291 | 6 | ▼ down 564 · -14% births |
| 1940 | #3727 | 7 | — |
The story of Philis
Philis entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 217 total births recorded, Philis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3727 in 1940 to #1163 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Philis in 1942:
Philis by decade
Philis peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 15 | |
| 1920s | 24 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1940s ★ | 67 | |
| 1950s | 64 | |
| 1960s | 37 | |
| 1970s | 5 | |
💎Philis has only 217 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Philis?
Common
PhiPhilPhiliePhilyIlis
What names sound and feel like Philis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Philis also consider these
How is Philis written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Philis
What does the name Philis mean?
Philis means "leaf" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Philis?
Philis is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Philis?
Philis originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Philis a common or rare name?
Philis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Philis?
Philis naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.