Find out how popular the first name Phillis has been for the last 27 years (from 1974 to 2000) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Phillis by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Phillis is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2000, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Phillis.

The history of the first name Phillis

The name Phillis originates from the Greek language and has its roots in the word "philos," meaning "lover" or "friend." It was a popular name in ancient Greece and was often associated with love, friendship, and affection.

The earliest recorded use of the name Phillis dates back to the 5th century BC, when it appeared in ancient Greek literature and historical records. One notable example is Phillis, a slave who was renowned for her exceptional poetic talent and was eventually granted her freedom by her master.

During the Renaissance period, the name Phillis gained popularity in Europe, particularly in England and France. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Phillis Wheatley, an African American poet who was born in West Africa around 1753 and later enslaved in Boston. Despite facing many challenges, Wheatley became the first African American author to publish a book of poetry in 1773.

Another notable figure with the name Phillis was Phillis Shand Allfrey, a writer and politician from Dominica who served as the country's first female governor-general from 1979 to 1988. She was born in 1924 and played a significant role in shaping the literary and political landscape of the Caribbean region.

In the 19th century, the name Phillis was also used by Phillis Omer-Cooper, a British artist and illustrator who was born in 1892. She was renowned for her illustrations in children's books and collaborated with renowned authors such as Beatrix Potter.

A more recent example is Phillis Sheppard, an American athlete who was born in 1935. She was a track and field sprinter and held world records in various events, including the 100-meter dash and the 4x100-meter relay. Sheppard was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1987.

Throughout history, the name Phillis has been associated with literary talents, artistic expression, and athletic achievements. Although its popularity has waned in recent times, it remains a unique and meaningful name with a rich historical legacy.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Phillis was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Phillis, please contact us.

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