Meaning, origin, history
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.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Phil since 1880
Total births
20,021
Total since 1880
Peak year
1959
678 births
in 2023
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-20%
↘
vs previous 5 years