What does Philip mean and where does it come from?
Philip is traditionally a male name derived from the Greek 'Philippos' which means 'lover of horses.' Although primarily masculine, it is increasingly seen as a gender-neutral or even feminine name in certain cultures. It has historical significance, associated with various kings and notable figures
Cultural significance
Philip has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #52 in 1941 — currently #499 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Philip?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Philip?
Philip works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Philip Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Philip Rose
Floral · soft ending
Philip Mae
Sweet · timeless
Philip Claire
French influence · crisp
Philip Jane
Literary · strong
Philip Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Philip right now?
Declining — down 6 spots — currently #499 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #499 | 605 | ▼ down 6 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #493 | 618 | ▼ down 41 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #452 | 675 | ▼ down 1 · +3% births |
| 2020 | #451 | 655 | ▼ down 18 · -7% births |
| 2015 | #433 | 706 | ▼ down 29 · +1% births |
| 2010 | #404 | 698 | ▼ down 79 · -30% births |
| 2005 | #325 | 993 | ▼ down 70 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #255 | 1,312 | ▼ down 75 · -25% births |
| 1995 | #180 | 1,757 | ▼ down 69 · -44% births |
| 1990 | #111 | 3,141 | ▼ down 27 · -16% births |
| 1985 | #84 | 3,734 | ▼ down 2 · +5% births |
| 1980 | #82 | 3,562 | ▲ up 3 · +18% births |
| 1975 | #85 | 3,007 | ▲ up 7 · -15% births |
| 1970 | #92 | 3,518 | ▼ down 5 · -18% births |
| 1965 | #87 | 4,278 | — |
The story of Philip
Philip has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #52 in 1941. More than 342,064 babies have been named Philip since 1880. Once ranked #81 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #499 in 2023. Philip is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Philip in 1941:
Philip by decade
Philip peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,741 | |
| 1890s | 2,153 | |
| 1900s | 2,823 | |
| 1910s | 18,224 | |
| 1920s | 27,427 | |
| 1930s | 28,963 | |
| 1940s | 48,836 | |
| 1950s ★ | 60,933 | |
| 1960s | 44,921 | |
| 1970s | 31,557 | |
| 1980s | 35,954 | |
| 1990s | 20,493 | |
| 2000s | 10,187 | |
| 2010s | 7,197 | |
| 2020s | 655 | |
What are good nicknames for Philip?
PORTUGUESE
BRAZILIAN(Felipinho
What names sound and feel like Philip?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Philip also consider these
How is Philip written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Philip?
Common questions about the name Philip
What does the name Philip mean?
Philip means "A beloved name with deep roots" — a name rooted in English 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 Philip?
Philip is currently ranked #499 in the United States as a baby 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 Philip?
Philip originates from English tradition. English 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 Philip?
Philip is a two-syllable name pronounced F IH1 L AH0 P. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Philip more of a girl or boy name?
Philip is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.