What does Filemon mean and where does it come from?
The name Filemon is of Greek origin, derived from the word 'Philein' that means 'to love'. It is often associated with the Christian Bible, where Philemon is a figure mentioned in the New Testament. The name has been used throughout history and is prevalent in various cultures, particularly in Spain
Cultural significance
Filemon has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of loving.
Peak popularity
Reached #2382 in 1928 — currently #12959 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Filemon?
Filemon works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Filemon Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Filemon Rose
Floral · soft ending
Filemon Mae
Sweet · timeless
Filemon Claire
French influence · crisp
Filemon Jane
Literary · strong
Filemon Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Filemon right now?
Falling — down 555 spots — currently #12959 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #12959 | 5 | ▼ down 555 |
| 2010 | #12404 | 5 | ▼ down 7061 · -62% births |
| 2000 | #5343 | 13 | ▲ up 1218 · +86% births |
| 1990 | #6561 | 7 | ▼ down 1252 |
| 1985 | #5309 | 7 | ▼ down 1379 · -30% births |
| 1980 | #3930 | 10 | ▼ down 611 · -9% births |
| 1975 | #3319 | 11 | ▲ up 834 · +120% births |
| 1965 | #4153 | 5 | ▼ down 632 · -29% births |
| 1960 | #3521 | 7 | ▼ down 130 |
| 1955 | #3391 | 7 | ▼ down 440 |
| 1945 | #2951 | 7 | ▼ down 302 · -22% births |
| 1940 | #2649 | 9 | ▲ up 274 · +13% births |
| 1935 | #2923 | 8 | ▲ up 994 · +33% births |
| 1930 | #3917 | 6 | — |
The story of Filemon
Filemon entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 513 total births recorded, Filemon remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3917 in 1930, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12959 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside Filemon in 1928:
Filemon by decade
Filemon peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 58 | |
| 1930s | 44 | |
| 1940s | 59 | |
| 1950s | 36 | |
| 1960s | 56 | |
| 1970s | 51 | |
| 1980s | 54 | |
| 1990s ★ | 80 | |
| 2000s | 59 | |
| 2010s | 11 | |
💎Filemon has only 513 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Filemon?
What names sound and feel like Filemon?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Filemon also consider these
Common questions about the name Filemon
What does the name Filemon mean?
Filemon means "Loving" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Filemon?
Filemon is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Filemon?
Filemon originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Filemon?
Filemon is a three-syllable name pronounced F IH1 L EH1 M AA1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Filemon?
Filemon pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.