Philemon

“Affectionate” — Symbolizes kindness and friendship

Greece origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#8749US 2023

9Births / yr

↑Rising

873All-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Philemon

ful·AY·mun

/fəl.ˈeɪ.mən/ · stress on AY · 3 syllables

“Affectionate”

Symbolizes kindness and friendship · Greece origin

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Philemon right now?

Rising fast — up 5076 spots — currently #8749 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#8749 · Top 6.5%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Philemon

Best Year1965Rank #2698

Peak Count21

Average Rank#5007

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202322 years

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:

Michael David James John Robert

Philemon by decade

Philemon peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

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

American · Son of Philip

Philippos

Greece · lover of horses

Hillmon

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

American · From the prince's

How is Philemon written in other languages?

Φιλημων

Ancient Greek

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.