Phyllis Ratcliff
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
Phyllis Ratcliff 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 Ratcliff: Carter Ratcliff (born 1941), American art critic, writer and poet Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff (born 1963), American singer-songwriter Col Ratcliff (born 1929), Australian rugby league footballer Daniel Rowlinson Ratcliff (1837–1923), English lock and safe manufacturer and politician David Ratcliff (born 1970), American painter David Ratcliff (priest) (1937–2024), British Anglican priest Dominique Ratcliff (born 2001), American football player Ed Ratcliff (born 1983), American mixed martial artist Edward Ratcliff (soldier) (1835–1915), African American Union Army soldier and recipient of the Medal of . 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: Ratcliff
English
Carter Ratcliff (born 1941), American art critic, writer and poet Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff (born 1963), American singer-songwriter Col Ratcliff (born 1929), Australian rugby league footballer Daniel Rowlinson Ratcliff (1837–1923), English lock and safe manufacturer and politician David Ratcliff (born 1970), American painter David Ratcliff (priest) (1937–2024), British Anglican priest Dominique Ratcliff (born 2001), American football player Ed Ratcliff (born 1983), American mixed martial artist Edward Ratcliff (soldier) (1835–1915), African American Union Army soldier and recipient of the Medal of .
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:
Numerology
According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Phyllis Ratcliff:
Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.
Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.
Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.
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 Ratcliff?
- The surname Ratcliff originates from English. Carter Ratcliff (born 1941), American art critic, writer and poet Cindy Cruse-Ratcliff (born 1963), American singer-songwriter Col Ratcliff (born 1929), Australian rugby league footballer Daniel Rowlinson Ratcliff (1837–1923), English lock and safe manufacturer and politician David Ratcliff (born 1970), American painter David Ratcliff (priest) (1937–2024), British Anglican priest Dominique Ratcliff (born 2001), American football player Ed Ratcliff (born 1983), American mixed martial artist Edward Ratcliff (soldier) (1835–1915), African American Union Army soldier and recipient of the Medal of .
- What are the origins of the name Phyllis Ratcliff?
- The name Phyllis Ratcliff combines two different traditions: the first name Phyllis has Greek roots, while the surname Ratcliff originates from English.