Phyllís: a female name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς),” meaning “leaf, foliage, plant".It derives from the Greek word "phúllon > phullís".
In Greek tradition, Phyllís holds special significance as a feminine name representing This name derives from the Ancient Greek “phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς),” meaning “leaf, foliage, plant. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Greek culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Phyllís
Quick facts about Phyllís
Origin
Greek
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς),” meaning “leaf, foliage, plant.” In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a daughter of a Thracian king. She married Demophon, King of Athens and son of Theseus, while he stopped in Thrace on his journey home from the Trojan War.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
phúllon > phullís
Other Scripts
Ancient Greek (Φυλλίς)
How to Pronounce Phyllís
Phyllís is pronounced /ˈfɪl.ɪs/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Phy-llí-s
Say it like: "PHY-LLÍ-S"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Phyllís is predominantly used in ancient greek speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
ancient greek
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllís
What does the name Phyllís mean?
Phyllís means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς),” meaning “leaf, foliage, plant.” In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a daughter of a Thracian king. She married Demophon, King of Athens and son of Theseus, while he stopped in Thrace on his journey home from the Trojan War.". The name comes from phúllon > phullís. In its original form, the name derives from phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Phyllís for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς),” meaning “leaf, foliage, plant.” In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a daughter of a Thracian king. She married Demophon, King of Athens and son of Theseus, while he stopped in Thrace on his journey home from the Trojan War." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Phyllís offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY (MINOR FIGURES), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Phyllís?
Phyllís is a greek name. The name traces back to phúllon > phullís. The original form phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Phyllís is written as Ancient Greek (Φυλλίς). The name remains closely tied to ancient greek naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς),” meaning “leaf, foliage, plant.” In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a daughter of a Thracian king. She married Demophon, King of Athens and son of Theseus, while he stopped in Thrace on his journey home from the Trojan War." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Phyllís a boy or girl name?
Phyllís is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In greek tradition, Phyllís has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς),” meaning “leaf, foliage, plant.” In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a daughter of a Thracian king. She married Demophon, King of Athens and son of Theseus, while he stopped in Thrace on his journey home from the Trojan War." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Phyllís?
Phyllís is pronounced "/ˈfɪl.ɪs/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Ancient Greek (Φυλλίς), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Phyllís is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Phyllís can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root phúllon > phullís influences how Phyllís sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Phyllís?
Phyllís is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Phyllís gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Phyllís's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς),” meaning “leaf, foliage, plant.” In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a daughter of a Thracian king. She married Demophon, King of Athens and son of Theseus, while he stopped in Thrace on his journey home from the Trojan War." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Phyllís holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Phyllís commonly used?
Phyllís is used primarily in ancient greek naming traditions. The name originated in greek culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς),” meaning “leaf, foliage, plant.” In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a daughter of a Thracian king. She married Demophon, King of Athens and son of Theseus, while he stopped in Thrace on his journey home from the Trojan War." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Phyllís into their naming traditions. A child named Phyllís will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Phyllís is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Phyllís?
Phyllís carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY (MINOR FIGURES). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “phúllon (φῠ́λλον) phullís (Φυλλίς),” meaning “leaf, foliage, plant.” In Greek mythology, Phyllis was a daughter of a Thracian king. She married Demophon, King of Athens and son of Theseus, while he stopped in Thrace on his journey home from the Trojan War." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Phyllís originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Phyllís sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Phyllís often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In ancient greek communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.