What does Philemon mean and where does it come from?
Philemon is of Greek origin, derived from the word 'philein', which means 'to love'. In the New Testament of the Bible, Philemon is the name of a Christian slave owner, featured in a letter from Paul. The name symbolizes kindness and friendship. It has been used throughout history and retains a clas
Cultural significance
Philemon has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of affectionate.
Peak popularity
Reached #2178 in 1969 — currently #8749 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Philemon?
Philemon works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Philemon Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Philemon Rose
Floral · soft ending
Philemon Mae
Sweet · timeless
Philemon Claire
French influence · crisp
Philemon Jane
Literary · strong
Philemon Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Philemon right now?
Rising fast — up 5076 spots — currently #8749 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8749 | 9 | ▲ up 5076 · +80% births |
| 2022 | #13825 | 5 | ▼ down 9090 · -76% births |
| 2021 | #4735 | 21 | ▲ up 1881 · +75% births |
| 2020 | #6616 | 12 | ▼ down 851 · -20% births |
| 2015 | #5765 | 15 | ▲ up 1868 · +50% births |
| 2010 | #7633 | 10 | ▼ down 2781 · -41% births |
| 2005 | #4852 | 17 | ▲ up 795 · +42% births |
| 2000 | #5647 | 12 | ▲ up 853 · +50% births |
| 1995 | #6500 | 8 | ▼ down 1762 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #4738 | 11 | ▼ down 857 |
| 1985 | #3881 | 11 | ▼ down 1113 · -35% births |
| 1980 | #2768 | 17 | ▲ up 374 · +42% births |
| 1975 | #3142 | 12 | ▲ up 23 · +20% births |
| 1970 | #3165 | 10 | ▼ down 467 |
| 1965 | #2698 | 10 | — |
The story of Philemon
Philemon entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 873 total births recorded, Philemon remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3737 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8749 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Philemon in 1969:
Philemon by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 27 | |
| 1920s | 69 | |
| 1930s | 35 | |
| 1940s | 49 | |
| 1950s | 67 | |
| 1960s | 68 | |
| 1970s | 92 | |
| 1980s | 98 | |
| 1990s | 106 | |
| 2000s | 108 | |
| 2010s ★ | 142 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎Philemon has only 873 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Philemon?
Common
PhiPhilPhiliePhilyEmon
What names sound and feel like Philemon?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Philemon also consider these
How is Philemon written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Philemon
What does the name Philemon mean?
Philemon means "Affectionate" — 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 Philemon?
Philemon is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Philemon?
Philemon 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 Philemon?
Philemon is a three-syllable name pronounced F AH0 L EY1 M AH0 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 Philemon?
Philemon 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.