Phyllis Donnelly
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
Phyllis Donnelly is a name that combines Greek origins. The first name Phyllis is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Phyllis or Phillis is a feminine given name of Greek origin meaning foliage. Phyllis is a minor figure in Greek mythology who killed herself in despair when Demophon of Athens did not return to her and who was transformed into an almond tree by the gods. Phillida, Phyllicia, and Phyllida are all variants of the name. The name has been in modern use since the 17th century when, often spelled Phillis, it was used by English poets John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, and Matthew Prior, probably taken from the supposed mistress of Aristotle, or other classical examples. The surname Donnelly: Donnelly is an Irish surname. Also used as: O’Donnelly or Donley. It is derived from the Gaelic Ó Donnghaile meaning 'descendant of Donnghal', a given name composed of the elements donn ('dark, brown') and gal ('valour'). O'Donnelly was historically of the Northern Uí Néill's Cenél nEoghain, descended from Donnghal, the great-grandson of Domhnall, King of Ailech. It is most commonly found in Ulster, especially in County Tyrone and in parts of County Donegal. Donnelly is also prevalent in Connacht, particularly in County Galway. Phyllis is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 339K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Phyllis reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.
Etymology & Origin
First Name: Phyllis
Meaning: green branch
Greek
Phyllis or Phillis is a feminine given name of Greek origin meaning foliage. Phyllis is a minor figure in Greek mythology who killed herself in despair when Demophon of Athens did not return to her and who was transformed into an almond tree by the gods. Phillida, Phyllicia, and Phyllida are all variants of the name. The name has been in modern use since the 17th century when, often spelled Phillis, it was used by English poets John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, and Matthew Prior, probably taken from the supposed mistress of Aristotle, or other classical examples.
Surname: Donnelly
Celtic
Donnelly is an Irish surname. Also used as: O’Donnelly or Donley. It is derived from the Gaelic Ó Donnghaile meaning 'descendant of Donnghal', a given name composed of the elements donn ('dark, brown') and gal ('valour'). O'Donnelly was historically of the Northern Uí Néill's Cenél nEoghain, descended from Donnghal, the great-grandson of Domhnall, King of Ailech. It is most commonly found in Ulster, especially in County Tyrone and in parts of County Donegal. Donnelly is also prevalent in Connacht, particularly in County Galway.
Geographic Distribution
The first name Phyllis is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:
Popularity Over Time
Popularity of the name Phyllis by decade, based on birth registration data:
Notable People Named Phyllis Donnelly
- Jessica Lange (film actor, 1949)
- Phyllis Diller (stand-up comedian, 1917)
- P. D. James (science fiction writer, 1920)
- Phyllis Schlafly (anti-abortion activist, 1924)
People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.
Numerology
According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Phyllis Donnelly:
Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.
Cooperation and sensitivity. A diplomatic, gentle nature with strong empathy, thriving in partnerships and harmony.
Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.
Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the origin of the first name Phyllis?
- The first name Phyllis originates from Greek. Phyllis or Phillis is a feminine given name of Greek origin meaning foliage. Phyllis is a minor figure in Greek mythology who killed herself in despair when Demophon of Athens did not return to her and who was transformed into an almond tree by the gods. Phillida, Phyllicia, and Phyllida are all variants of the name. The name has been in modern use since the 17th century when, often spelled Phillis, it was used by English poets John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, and Matthew Prior, probably taken from the supposed mistress of Aristotle, or other classical examples.
- When was Phyllis most popular?
- The name Phyllis reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
- What is the origin of the surname Donnelly?
- The surname Donnelly originates from Celtic. Donnelly is an Irish surname. Also used as: O’Donnelly or Donley. It is derived from the Gaelic Ó Donnghaile meaning 'descendant of Donnghal', a given name composed of the elements donn ('dark, brown') and gal ('valour'). O'Donnelly was historically of the Northern Uí Néill's Cenél nEoghain, descended from Donnghal, the great-grandson of Domhnall, King of Ailech. It is most commonly found in Ulster, especially in County Tyrone and in parts of County Donegal. Donnelly is also prevalent in Connacht, particularly in County Galway.
- What are the origins of the name Phyllis Donnelly?
- The name Phyllis Donnelly combines two different traditions: the first name Phyllis has Greek roots, while the surname Donnelly originates from Celtic.