All about the name

Philecia

Female

« Philecia is a distinctive Greek name meaning "loving honor," carried by Saint Philecia, a 4th-century martyr, and featured in Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. »

#39114 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Philecia is a unique and distinctive name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "philotimos," which means "loving honor." The name Philecia was not particularly common in ancient Greece, but it has been used sparingly throughout history. One notable figure with the name Philecia was Saint Philecia, a 4th-century Christian martyr. She was imprisoned and tortured for her faith during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Although she eventually succumbed to her injuries, her unwavering devotion to Christianity earned her sainthood after her death. In literature, Philecia appears as a character in the novel "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" by Victor Hugo. In this story, Philecia is a young woman who is secretly in love with the hunchback, Quasimodo. Despite its unique sound and interesting historical connections, Philecia remains relatively uncommon today. However, those who bear this name may appreciate its rare beauty and rich heritage.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Philecia since 1880

Total births
33
Total since 1880
Peak year
1996
7 births
in 1998
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years