Meaning, origin, history
Philippe is a French masculine given name derived from the Greek name Philippos, which means "lover of horses." The name has been popular in France since the Middle Ages and was brought to other parts of Europe by returning crusaders.
The name Philippe has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous was Philippe II Augustus (1165-1223), who was the king of France from 1180 until his death. He is known for leading the Third Crusade and for his role in the Albigensian Crusade.
In more recent times, Philippe has been used as a given name by members of the Belgian royal family. The current King of Belgium, Philippe (born in 1960), ascended to the throne in 2013 upon the abdication of his father, Albert II.
Overall, Philippe is a classic French name with a long history and many notable bearers throughout the centuries.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Philippe since 1880
Total births
3,015
Total since 1880
Peak year
1979
59 births
in 2023
22
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+11%
↗
vs previous 5 years