All about the name

Philp

Male

« Philip is a Greek name meaning 'lover of horses,' derived from 'philios' (loving) and 'hippos' (horse). »

#42043 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Philip is a name of Greek origin, meaning "lover of horses." It is derived from the Greek word "philios," which means "loving," and "hippos," which means "horse." The name Philip has been popular throughout history, particularly among royalty and leaders. The most famous bearer of the name Philip was Philip II of Macedon, who was the father of Alexander the Great. Philip II ruled from 359 to 336 BC and is remembered for his military conquests and political reforms. He named his son Alexander after the Illiad hero Achilles' companion, Alexander. The name Philip was also popular among early Christian martyrs and saints, including Saint Philip the Apostle, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. This contributed to the name's widespread use in the Middle Ages and beyond. Over time, variations of the name Philip have emerged, such as Philippe (French), Filippo (Italian), Felipe (Spanish), and Filip (Scandinavian). Today, Philip is still a popular name around the world, ranking among the top 500 names in many countries. It has also inspired numerous baby names, such as Philippa, Philippe, Philippina, and Phillipine. In literature, notable characters named Philip include Philip Marlowe, the detective created by Raymond Chandler, and Philip Pirrip, better known as Pip, the protagonist of Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations." In popular culture, famous Philips include actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, musician Philip Glass, and explorer Sir Philip Drake. Overall, the name Philip has a rich history and cultural significance, reflecting its ancient origins and enduring popularity. Whether you're drawn to its classic sound, its regal associations, or its connection to notable figures throughout history, choosing the name Philip for your child is a time-honored choice with lasting appeal.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Philp since 1880

Total births
5
Total since 1880
Peak year
1951
5 births
in 1951
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years