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.

[1] The name has been in use since the 1600s when, often spelled Phillis, it was used by English poets John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester and Matthew Prior.

The popularity of American actress Phyllis Haver (1899–1960), also raised the profile of the name.

[2] The name was also at its most popular in the Anglosphere, in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, in the first part of the 20th century.