Phelps

“son of Philip”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1343US 2023

857Births / yr

→Stable

59All-time births

📅 Since 191800

How to pronounce Phelps

FELPS

/ˈfɛlps/ · stress on FELPS · 1 syllable

“son of Philip”

American origin · Boy name

What does Phelps mean and where does it come from?

The surname Phelps is of English origin and is derived from the medieval given name Philip. Phelps has been used as both a first and a surname. Philip itself comes from the Latin 'Philippus' and the Greek 'Philippos', which means 'friend of horses'. In the United States, the surname has gained fame

Cultural significance

Phelps has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of philip.

Peak popularity

Reached #3527 in 1929 — currently #1343 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Phelps?

Phelps works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Phelps Grace

How popular is Phelps right now?

Holding steady — currently #1343 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1343 · Top 0.99%

1920

1930

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1343	857	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1348	837	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1353	807	▲ up 3024 · +16040% births
1930	#4377	5	▲ up 406
1920	#4783	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Phelps

Best Year2023Rank #1343

Peak Count857

Average Rank#2641

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1920 - 20235 years

The story of Phelps

Phelps entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 59 total births recorded, Phelps remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4783 in 1920 to #1343 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Phelps in 1929:

Robert James John William Charles

Phelps by decade

Phelps peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	6
1920s ★	22
1930s	5
1940s	11
1950s	5
2010s	10

💎Phelps has only 59 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Phelps?

Common

PhePhiePhy

What names sound and feel like Phelps?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Phelps also consider these

Phenyx

American · mythical bird that

American · Derived from the

Philips

English · Son of Philip,

Press

American · Shortened form of

Shell

American · English

Shelly

American · meadow on a

Common questions about the name Phelps

What does the name Phelps mean?

Phelps means "son of Philip" — a name rooted in American 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 Phelps?

Phelps 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 Phelps?

Phelps originates from American tradition. American 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 Phelps?

Phelps is a one-syllable name pronounced F EH1 L P S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Phelps sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Phelps flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Phelps ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.