What does Philisa mean and where does it come from?
Philisa is a variant of the name 'Felicia,' which comes from the Latin 'felix,' meaning 'happy' or 'fortunate.' In this case, the name suggests a fondness for friendship and companionship. Philisa is predominantly found in North America, and though it is not widely common, it showcases the individua
Cultural significance
Philisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lover of friends.
Peak popularity
Reached #6978 in 1968 — currently #1724 in the US.
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Related Reading
USA-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Philisa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Philisa?
Philisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Philisa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Philisa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Philisa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Philisa Claire
French influence · crisp
Philisa Jane
Literary · strong
Philisa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Philisa right now?
Holding steady — currently #1724 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1724 | 476 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1729 | 456 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1734 | 426 | — |
The story of Philisa
Philisa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. With 17 total births recorded, Philisa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1734 in 2021 to #1724 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Philisa in 1968:
💎Philisa has only 17 total recorded births since 1968 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Philisa?
Common
PhiPhilPhiliePhilyIsa
What names sound and feel like Philisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Philisa also consider these
Common questions about the name Philisa
What does the name Philisa mean?
Philisa means "Lover of Friends" — a name rooted in USA 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 Philisa?
Philisa 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 Philisa?
Philisa originates from USA tradition. USA names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Philisa?
Philisa is a three-syllable name pronounced F AY1 L IY1 S AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Philisa?
Philisa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar USA heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.