Phyllis Smallwood
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
Phyllis Smallwood 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 Smallwood: Denis Smallwood (1918–1997), British RAF commander Ed Smallwood (1937–2002), American basketball player E. Mary Smallwood (1919–2023), British classical historian Fred Smallwood (1910–1965), Welsh footballer Gerald Smallwood (1889–1977), British Army general Joey Smallwood (1900–1991), Canadian politician Jonathan Smallwood (1975–2025), British psychologist and academic Kathy Smallwood-Cook (born 1960), British sprinter Neil Smallwood (born 1966), English professional footballer Richard Smallwood (doctor) (1937–2024), Australian doctor and Chief Medical Officer of Australia Richard Smallwood (. 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: Smallwood
Welsh
Denis Smallwood (1918–1997), British RAF commander Ed Smallwood (1937–2002), American basketball player E. Mary Smallwood (1919–2023), British classical historian Fred Smallwood (1910–1965), Welsh footballer Gerald Smallwood (1889–1977), British Army general Joey Smallwood (1900–1991), Canadian politician Jonathan Smallwood (1975–2025), British psychologist and academic Kathy Smallwood-Cook (born 1960), British sprinter Neil Smallwood (born 1966), English professional footballer Richard Smallwood (doctor) (1937–2024), Australian doctor and Chief Medical Officer of Australia Richard Smallwood (.
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 Smallwood
- 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 Smallwood:
Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.
Master Builder (Master Number 22). Combines grand vision with the practical ability to achieve lasting, large-scale goals.
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 Smallwood?
- The surname Smallwood originates from Welsh. Denis Smallwood (1918–1997), British RAF commander Ed Smallwood (1937–2002), American basketball player E. Mary Smallwood (1919–2023), British classical historian Fred Smallwood (1910–1965), Welsh footballer Gerald Smallwood (1889–1977), British Army general Joey Smallwood (1900–1991), Canadian politician Jonathan Smallwood (1975–2025), British psychologist and academic Kathy Smallwood-Cook (born 1960), British sprinter Neil Smallwood (born 1966), English professional footballer Richard Smallwood (doctor) (1937–2024), Australian doctor and Chief Medical Officer of Australia Richard Smallwood (.
- What are the origins of the name Phyllis Smallwood?
- The name Phyllis Smallwood combines two different traditions: the first name Phyllis has Greek roots, while the surname Smallwood originates from Welsh.