Phillida is a variant form of the name Phyllida, which itself derives from the Greek Phyllidos, the genitive case of Phyllis, meaning "foliage." The spelling with a double 'l' and an 'i' reflects variations in the transmission of the name through Latin and English pastoral poetry, particularly in the 17th century.
Origin and Historical Context
Phyllida and Phillida are rooted in Greek mythology: Phyllis was a Thracian princess who died for love of Demophon and was transformed into an almond tree, a story that imbues the name with themes of devotion and nature. In England, the name Phyllis gained popularity during the Renaissance and later appeared in pastoral poems as a stock name for shepherdesses. The form Phillida emerged as an alternative spelling and was also used in such literary contexts, though it remained less common.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals named Phillida include:
- Phillida Bunkle (born 1944), a New Zealand politician and feminist activist.
- Phillida Gili, a British children's book illustrator known for her work in the mid-20th century.
- Phillida Nicholson (1924–2021), a Welsh-born artist and Land Girl during World War II.
- Meaning: "foliage" (via Phyllis)
- Origin: Greek, via Latin
- Type: Given name (feminine)
- Usage Regions: English-speaking countries (especially UK)
Sources: Wikipedia — Phyllida