Philippa

“lover of horses”

Greece origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#2637US 2023

67Births / yr

↓Falling

1.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 191000

How to pronounce Philippa

fil·IP·uh

/fɪl.ˈɪp.ə/ · stress on IP · 3 syllables

“lover of horses”

Greece origin · Girl name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Philippa right now?

Falling — down 195 spots — currently #2637 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#2637 · Top 1.9%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Philippa

Best Year2022Rank #2442

Peak Count75

Average Rank#4913

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1910 - 202325 years

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:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Philippa by decade

Philippa peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

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?

ENGLISH

Pippa

GERMAN

Philippina

ANCIENT GREEK

Philippos

BIBLICAL GREEK

Philippos

What names sound and feel like Philippa?

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

Phillippa

Greek · lover of horses

Swedish · Lover of horses

Phylisia

Greece · a variant of

Phylicia

American · blessed; happy

Phylisha

American · a variant of

Chritina

Greece · Greek

How is Philippa written in other languages?

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.