Philip is a name of Greek origin that means "lover of horses." It is derived from the Greek word "philosophos," which consists of two parts: "philo-" meaning "love" or "affection," and "-hippos" meaning "horse." Therefore, Philip can be interpreted as someone who loves or is fond of horses.
The name Philip has been popular throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name wasPhilip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. Philip was also a significant figure in the New Testament of the Bible, where he is introduced as a tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis who married Herodias, the wife of his brother Herod Antipas.
Over time, various forms and variations of the name Philip have emerged. Some popular variants include Philippe (French), Felipe (Spanish), Filippo (Italian), and Filip (Scandinavian). These different versions reflect the widespread use and popularity of the original Greek name throughout Europe and beyond.
Today, Philip remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their child a classic yet timeless name with a strong historical foundation. Its meaning, "lover of horses," adds an appealing touch that may resonate with animal lovers or horse enthusiasts in particular.
The name Phil experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 19th century onwards, with a notable peak during World War I. Between 1914 and 1918, there were over 150 births per year, reaching as high as 155 in 1917 and 130 in both 1919 and 1920. However, from the late 1960s onwards, the number of babies named Phil began to decline sharply, dropping below 100 births per year by 1968, and continuing to decrease until it reached a low of just 8 births in both 2010 and 2011. Since then, the popularity of the name Phil has stabilized at around 10-20 births per year.