Phyllis Smedley
Name meaning, origin and global statistics
Phyllis Smedley 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 Smedley: Smedley Butler (1881–1940), U.S. Marine Corps major general, double recipient of the Medal of Honor Smedley Crooke (1861–1951), British politician Smedley Darlington (1827–1899), American politician Surname Agnes Smedley (1892–1950), American journalist and writer Audrey Smedley (1930–2020), American social anthropologist Bert Smedley (1905–unknown), Australian rules footballer Brian Smedley (1934–2007), British judge Cameron Smedley (born 1990), Canadian canoeist Edward Smedley (1788–1836), English clergyman and writer Elizabeth Anna Hart (1822–1890), née Smedley, British poet and novelist Em. 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: Smedley
English
Smedley Butler (1881–1940), U.S. Marine Corps major general, double recipient of the Medal of Honor Smedley Crooke (1861–1951), British politician Smedley Darlington (1827–1899), American politician Surname Agnes Smedley (1892–1950), American journalist and writer Audrey Smedley (1930–2020), American social anthropologist Bert Smedley (1905–unknown), Australian rules footballer Brian Smedley (1934–2007), British judge Cameron Smedley (born 1990), Canadian canoeist Edward Smedley (1788–1836), English clergyman and writer Elizabeth Anna Hart (1822–1890), née Smedley, British poet and novelist Em.
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 Smedley
- 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 Smedley:
Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.
Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.
Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.
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 Smedley?
- The surname Smedley originates from English. Smedley Butler (1881–1940), U.S. Marine Corps major general, double recipient of the Medal of Honor Smedley Crooke (1861–1951), British politician Smedley Darlington (1827–1899), American politician Surname Agnes Smedley (1892–1950), American journalist and writer Audrey Smedley (1930–2020), American social anthropologist Bert Smedley (1905–unknown), Australian rules footballer Brian Smedley (1934–2007), British judge Cameron Smedley (born 1990), Canadian canoeist Edward Smedley (1788–1836), English clergyman and writer Elizabeth Anna Hart (1822–1890), née Smedley, British poet and novelist Em.
- What are the origins of the name Phyllis Smedley?
- The name Phyllis Smedley combines two different traditions: the first name Phyllis has Greek roots, while the surname Smedley originates from English.