Phyllicia
A girl's name of Greek origin with 135 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Among U.S. girl's names, Phyllicia is not in the current national top 1,000. In fact, it is among the rarest names in the SSA dataset — a choice that signals bold individuality.
With records spanning 1984 to 1998, Phyllicia has a focused history that reflects a particular moment in naming culture rather than a centuries-old tradition.
Phyllicia is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Phyllicia is a girl's baby name of Greek origin, an elaborated spelling variant of Felicia or Phylicia, meaning 'happy' (from Latin felix) or 'foliage' (from Greek phyllon). Actress Phylicia Rashad, beloved for her role as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, brought wide recognition to this spelling.
Phyllicia adds an extra l, giving it a slightly more ornate appearance. The underlying name carries warmth, nature imagery, and a strong pop culture connection that makes it feel both classic and culturally resonant.
EtymologyShow more
Names travel. They cross oceans, change spelling, shift pronunciation, and accumulate new associations with each culture that adopts them. Phyllicia is rooted in the Greek tradition, but its presence in American naming since 1984 means it has been shaped by English phonetics, local customs, and the cultural context of the families who chose it.
Phyllicia’s rarity (135 recorded births) may indicate it is strongly tied to a specific cultural community or family tradition, rather than part of the broader American naming mainstream.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Phyllicia has 15+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1984.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 80 | #10977 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 55 | #8894 | — |
The Story of Phyllicia
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1989, Phyllicia is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Phyllicia are most likely born between 1984 and 1998.
How rare is Phyllicia?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Phyllicia is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1984, peaked in the 1990s with 80 births that decade.
Phyllicia by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(15 years, 1984–1998)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 5 | #15939 |
| 1997 | 5 | #15500 |
| 1996 | 8 | #10282 |
| 1995 | 6 | #12935 |
| 1994 | 5 | #15112 |
| 1993 | 11 | #7919 |
| 1992 | 15 | #6222 |
| 1991 | 16 | #5863 |
| 1990 | 9 | #9020 |
| 1989 | 18 | #4999 |
| 1988 | 7 | #10062 |
| 1987 | 13 | #5844 |
| 1986 | 6 | #10503 |
| 1985 | 5 | #11954 |
| 1984 | 6 | #10004 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phyllicia a boy's or girl's name?
When was Phyllicia most popular?
How popular is the name Phyllicia?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1984–1998