Phyllis Lira

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Phyllis Lira — green branch
339K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Phyllis Lira is a name combining Greek origins, bringing together "green branch" (Phyllis) with "balance" (Lira). 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 Lira: Lira is a common surname in the Portuguese, Spanish and Italian languages. It was also a given name during the Medieval period. Lira translates to libra in Latin, which means "balance". Aílton Lira (born 1951), Brazilian footballer Benedito de Lira (1941–2025), Brazilian politician Felipe Lira (born 1972), Venezuelan baseball player Johnny Lira (1951–2012), American weightlifter José López Lira (1892–1965), Mexican lawyer and politician Juan Enrique Lira (1927–2007), Chilean sport shooter Gonzalo Lira (1968–2024), Chilean-American novelist Michael Lira (born 1975), Australian composer Michael . 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: Lira

Meaning: balance

Spanish

Lira is a common surname in the Portuguese, Spanish and Italian languages. It was also a given name during the Medieval period. Lira translates to libra in Latin, which means "balance". Aílton Lira (born 1951), Brazilian footballer Benedito de Lira (1941–2025), Brazilian politician Felipe Lira (born 1972), Venezuelan baseball player Johnny Lira (1951–2012), American weightlifter José López Lira (1892–1965), Mexican lawyer and politician Juan Enrique Lira (1927–2007), Chilean sport shooter Gonzalo Lira (1968–2024), Chilean-American novelist Michael Lira (born 1975), Australian composer Michael .

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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 Lira

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 Lira:

6
Expression Number

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

1
Soul Urge Number

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

5
Personality Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

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 Lira?
The surname Lira originates from Spanish. Lira is a common surname in the Portuguese, Spanish and Italian languages. It was also a given name during the Medieval period. Lira translates to libra in Latin, which means "balance". Aílton Lira (born 1951), Brazilian footballer Benedito de Lira (1941–2025), Brazilian politician Felipe Lira (born 1972), Venezuelan baseball player Johnny Lira (1951–2012), American weightlifter José López Lira (1892–1965), Mexican lawyer and politician Juan Enrique Lira (1927–2007), Chilean sport shooter Gonzalo Lira (1968–2024), Chilean-American novelist Michael Lira (born 1975), Australian composer Michael .
What are the origins of the name Phyllis Lira?
The name Phyllis Lira combines two different traditions: the first name Phyllis has Greek roots, while the surname Lira originates from Spanish.
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