What does Filomena mean and where does it come from?
Filomena has roots in both Italian and Spanish cultures, with variations appearing in Greek as well. Historically, the name has been associated with Saint Filomena, a Christian martyr of the early church, which contributed to its popularity in various Christian communities. It is often chosen for it
Cultural significance
Filomena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lover of a thread.
Peak popularity
Reached #430 in 1907 — currently #4001 in the US.
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Related Reading
Italy-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Filomena?
Filomena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Filomena Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Filomena Rose
Floral · soft ending
Filomena Mae
Sweet · timeless
Filomena Claire
French influence · crisp
Filomena Jane
Literary · strong
Filomena Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Filomena right now?
Rising fast — up 232 spots — currently #4001 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4001 | 37 | ▲ up 232 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #4233 | 34 | ▲ up 421 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #4654 | 29 | ▲ up 328 · +16% births |
| 2020 | #4982 | 25 | ▲ up 857 · +14% births |
| 2015 | #5839 | 22 | ▲ up 6463 · +175% births |
| 2010 | #12302 | 8 | ▼ down 440 |
| 2005 | #11862 | 8 | ▼ down 1967 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #9895 | 9 | ▲ up 350 · +29% births |
| 1990 | #10245 | 7 | ▼ down 5140 · -50% births |
| 1985 | #5105 | 14 | ▲ up 160 · +8% births |
| 1980 | #5265 | 13 | ▼ down 2279 · -46% births |
| 1975 | #2986 | 24 | ▼ down 452 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #2534 | 29 | ▼ down 373 · -3% births |
| 1965 | #2161 | 30 | ▲ up 43 · +7% births |
| 1960 | #2204 | 28 | — |
The story of Filomena
Filomena has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 5,380 total births recorded, Filomena remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1168 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4001 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Filomena in 1907:
Filomena by decade
Filomena peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 28 | |
| 1890s | 127 | |
| 1900s | 433 | |
| 1910s | 1,231 | |
| 1920s ★ | 1,576 | |
| 1930s | 531 | |
| 1940s | 222 | |
| 1950s | 224 | |
| 1960s | 301 | |
| 1970s | 237 | |
| 1980s | 112 | |
| 1990s | 58 | |
| 2000s | 87 | |
| 2010s | 188 | |
| 2020s | 25 | |
💎With 5,380 total births, Filomena is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Filomena?
What names sound and feel like Filomena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Filomena also consider these
How is Filomena written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Filomena
What does the name Filomena mean?
Filomena means "lover of a thread" — a name rooted in Italy 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 Filomena?
Filomena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Filomena have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Filomena?
Filomena originates from Italy tradition. Italy 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 Filomena?
Filomena is a four-syllable name pronounced F IH2 L AH0 M IY1 N AH0. 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 Filomena?
Filomena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Italy heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.