Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 FIL-is /ˈfɪlɪs/
"Lover of horses"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a Maenad, a follower of Dionysus. She was a beautiful wood nymph who fell in love with the god, but he abandoned her. In her grief, she prayed to the gods to be transformed into a tree, and they answered her prayer. The goddess Cybele turned her into a sycamore tree, and Zeus sent a horned stag to keep her company. Phyllis' name comes from the Greek word phyllon, meaning 'leaf'.
Phillis is both a surname and a given name. Notable people with the name include:
The name Phillis originates from the Greek word for 'lover' or 'friend'. It has been adopted into various Christian cultures, symbolizing the cherished and beloved nature of the individual bearing the…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: People with the life path number 2 are diplomats, peacemakers, and artists. They have a strong desire for harmony and balance in their lives, and they value relationships and love.
Life Path 4 — Stability & Hard Work: Reliable, disciplined, and exceptionally organized.
Cultural Impact
The name "Phillis" comes from the Greek word phyllon, meaning 'leaf'. In ancient Greece, Phyllis was a wood nymph and a Maenad, a follower of Dionysus. Maenads were wine-drinking, ecstatic women who honored Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and festivity. The name "Phillis" carries hints of the ancient Greek connection to nature and the raw, unbridled power of women. It can be seen as a reminder of the power and beauty that resides in nature and in women.
Spiritual Significance
Phyllis' story of transformation into a sycamore tree reflects the power of prayer and the strength of the human spirit. Her sadness and longing for love led her to seek comfort and solace in the power of the gods. Her faith was rewarded with a transformation that allowed her to survive and thrive beyond her earthly existence. The name "Phillis" can serve as a reminder of the power of prayer and the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of heartbreak and loss. It can be seen as a symbol of hope and renewal.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Phillis" emerges in Greek tradition, carrying the core meaning "Lover of horses".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~3,683 people named Phillis in the US. Peaked in 1949 with 118 recorded uses.
Historical records show that Phillis was a slave girl in the American colonies who became the mistress of a wealthy planter. The name Phillis carried significant spiritual weight in that era.
Modern Usage
Phillis is a name with historical significance in the United States, representing the experiences of enslaved Africans and their descendants. It is a common name for black women and is found in various forms of media, including literature and music.
Phillis means "Lover of horses" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Phillis is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Phillis has Greek origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Phillis is 4, associated with Stability & Hard Work. Soul Urge: 9. Personality: 22.
Phillis is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 0% male and 100% female.
Approximately 3,683 people in the United States are named Phillis. The name peaked in 1949 with 118 recorded uses.
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