Phyllis Foss

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Phyllis Foss — green branch
339K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Phyllis Foss 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 Foss: Aage Foss (1885–1952), Danish film actor Ambrose Foss (c. 1803–1862), Australian pharmacist Anders Foss (c. 1543–1607), Norwegian clergyman and Bishop of Bergen Anita Foss (1921–2015), American baseball player Austin Foss, American politician Betty Foss (1929–1998), American baseball player Brian Foss (1921–1997), British psychologist Brian Foss (art historian), Canadian art historian, academic, curator and writer Byron Foss (born 1979), American soccer player Charles Calveley Foss (1885–1953), English recipient of the Victoria Cross Chris Foss (born 1946), British illustrator Christopher F Fo. 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: Foss

English

Aage Foss (1885–1952), Danish film actor Ambrose Foss (c. 1803–1862), Australian pharmacist Anders Foss (c. 1543–1607), Norwegian clergyman and Bishop of Bergen Anita Foss (1921–2015), American baseball player Austin Foss, American politician Betty Foss (1929–1998), American baseball player Brian Foss (1921–1997), British psychologist Brian Foss (art historian), Canadian art historian, academic, curator and writer Byron Foss (born 1979), American soccer player Charles Calveley Foss (1885–1953), English recipient of the Victoria Cross Chris Foss (born 1946), British illustrator Christopher F Fo.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Phyllis is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 10%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Phyllis by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Phyllis Foss

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 Foss:

7
Expression Number

Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.

6
Soul Urge Number

Nurturing and responsibility. Associated with care, family values and a strong sense of duty towards loved ones.

1
Personality Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

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 Foss?
The surname Foss originates from English. Aage Foss (1885–1952), Danish film actor Ambrose Foss (c. 1803–1862), Australian pharmacist Anders Foss (c. 1543–1607), Norwegian clergyman and Bishop of Bergen Anita Foss (1921–2015), American baseball player Austin Foss, American politician Betty Foss (1929–1998), American baseball player Brian Foss (1921–1997), British psychologist Brian Foss (art historian), Canadian art historian, academic, curator and writer Byron Foss (born 1979), American soccer player Charles Calveley Foss (1885–1953), English recipient of the Victoria Cross Chris Foss (born 1946), British illustrator Christopher F Fo.
What are the origins of the name Phyllis Foss?
The name Phyllis Foss combines two different traditions: the first name Phyllis has Greek roots, while the surname Foss originates from English.
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