Phyllis Tatum

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Phyllis Tatum — green branch
339K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Phyllis Tatum 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 Tatum: Art Tatum (1909–1956), American jazz pianist Beverly Daniel Tatum (born 1954), American university president Bradford Tatum (born 1965), American actor Channing Tatum (born 1980), American actor Charles "Chuck" Tatum (1926-2014), American World War II veteran Donn Tatum (1913–1993), American president of Walt Disney Edward Lawrie Tatum (1909–1975), American geneticist Hilt Tatum (1934–2025), American dentist Howell Tatum (died 1822), Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court J. 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: Tatum

English

Art Tatum (1909–1956), American jazz pianist Beverly Daniel Tatum (born 1954), American university president Bradford Tatum (born 1965), American actor Channing Tatum (born 1980), American actor Charles "Chuck" Tatum (1926-2014), American World War II veteran Donn Tatum (1913–1993), American president of Walt Disney Edward Lawrie Tatum (1909–1975), American geneticist Hilt Tatum (1934–2025), American dentist Howell Tatum (died 1822), Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court J.

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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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Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Phyllis Tatum:

5
Expression Number

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

4
Soul Urge Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

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 Tatum?
The surname Tatum originates from English. Art Tatum (1909–1956), American jazz pianist Beverly Daniel Tatum (born 1954), American university president Bradford Tatum (born 1965), American actor Channing Tatum (born 1980), American actor Charles "Chuck" Tatum (1926-2014), American World War II veteran Donn Tatum (1913–1993), American president of Walt Disney Edward Lawrie Tatum (1909–1975), American geneticist Hilt Tatum (1934–2025), American dentist Howell Tatum (died 1822), Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court J.
What are the origins of the name Phyllis Tatum?
The name Phyllis Tatum combines two different traditions: the first name Phyllis has Greek roots, while the surname Tatum originates from English.
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