What does Philippa mean and where does it come from?
Philippa is the feminine form of Philip, originating from the Greek name 'Philippos' (Φίλιππος), which means 'lover of horses' or 'friend of horses.' The name has historical significance, with several queens and notable figures bearing the name throughout history. Philippa of Hainault was the queen
Cultural significance
Philippa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #2021 in 1918 — currently #2637 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Philippa?
Philippa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Philippa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Philippa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Philippa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Philippa Claire
French influence · crisp
Philippa Jane
Literary · strong
Philippa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Philippa right now?
Falling — down 195 spots — currently #2637 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2637 | 67 | ▼ down 195 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #2442 | 75 | ▲ up 190 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #2632 | 66 | ▲ up 134 · +12% births |
| 2020 | #2766 | 59 | ▲ up 81 · -3% births |
| 2015 | #2847 | 61 | ▲ up 2587 · +144% births |
| 2010 | #5434 | 25 | ▲ up 3491 · +108% births |
| 2005 | #8925 | 12 | ▲ up 1906 · +50% births |
| 2000 | #10831 | 8 | ▼ down 2688 · -20% births |
| 1995 | #8143 | 10 | ▼ down 774 · -9% births |
| 1990 | #7369 | 11 | ▼ down 1636 · -8% births |
| 1985 | #5733 | 12 | ▲ up 2552 · +71% births |
| 1980 | #8285 | 7 | ▼ down 1701 · -12% births |
| 1975 | #6584 | 8 | ▲ up 1581 · +60% births |
| 1970 | #8165 | 5 | ▼ down 4571 · -62% births |
| 1965 | #3594 | 13 | — |
The story of Philippa
Philippa entered American naming records in 1910 and has been in use for over 114 years. With 1,477 total births recorded, Philippa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2766 in 1910 to #2637 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Philippa in 1918:
Philippa by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 54 | |
| 1920s | 69 | |
| 1930s | 53 | |
| 1940s | 64 | |
| 1950s | 101 | |
| 1960s | 114 | |
| 1970s | 61 | |
| 1980s | 104 | |
| 1990s | 104 | |
| 2000s | 133 | |
| 2010s ★ | 561 | |
| 2020s | 59 | |
💎With 1,477 total births, Philippa is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Philippa?
What names sound and feel like Philippa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Philippa also consider these
How is Philippa written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Philippa?
Common questions about the name Philippa
What does the name Philippa mean?
Philippa means "Greek" — 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 Philippa?
Philippa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Philippa have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Philippa?
Philippa 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 Philippa?
Philippa is a three-syllable name pronounced F IH0 L IH1 P 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 Philippa?
Philippa 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.