What does Philippe mean and where does it come from?
Philippe is derived from the Greek name 'Philippos', which is composed of the elements 'philos' (loving) and 'hippos' (horse). It became popular in France during the Middle Ages and has remained a common name. The name was historically borne by various kings of France, including Philippe II (Philipp
Cultural significance
Philippe has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lover of horses.
Peak popularity
Reached #1029 in 1964 — currently #4700 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Philippe?
Philippe works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Philippe Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Philippe Rose
Floral · soft ending
Philippe Mae
Sweet · timeless
Philippe Claire
French influence · crisp
Philippe Jane
Literary · strong
Philippe Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Philippe right now?
Rising fast — up 2433 spots — currently #4700 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4700 | 22 | ▲ up 2433 · +83% births |
| 2022 | #7133 | 12 | ▼ down 2242 · -40% births |
| 2021 | #4891 | 20 | ▲ up 121 · +11% births |
| 2020 | #5012 | 18 | ▼ down 457 · -14% births |
| 2015 | #4555 | 21 | ▲ up 955 · +31% births |
| 2010 | #5510 | 16 | ▼ down 1677 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #3833 | 24 | ▼ down 1344 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #2489 | 38 | ▲ up 210 · +41% births |
| 1995 | #2699 | 27 | ▼ down 912 · -39% births |
| 1990 | #1787 | 44 | ▼ down 351 · -6% births |
| 1985 | #1436 | 47 | ▼ down 188 · -15% births |
| 1980 | #1248 | 55 | ▲ up 196 · +45% births |
| 1975 | #1444 | 38 | ▼ down 154 · -10% births |
| 1970 | #1290 | 42 | ▼ down 138 · -2% births |
| 1965 | #1152 | 43 | — |
The story of Philippe
Philippe entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 2,954 total births recorded, Philippe remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3625 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4700 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Philippe in 1964:
Philippe by decade
Philippe peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 40 | |
| 1920s | 121 | |
| 1930s | 98 | |
| 1940s | 148 | |
| 1950s | 303 | |
| 1960s | 398 | |
| 1970s | 409 | |
| 1980s ★ | 511 | |
| 1990s | 404 | |
| 2000s | 303 | |
| 2010s | 201 | |
| 2020s | 18 | |
💎With 2,954 total births, Philippe is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Philippe?
PORTUGUESE
BRAZILIAN(Felipinho
What names sound and feel like Philippe?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Philippe also consider these
How is Philippe written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Philippe?
Common questions about the name Philippe
What does the name Philippe mean?
Philippe means "lover of horses" — a name rooted in France 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 Philippe?
Philippe 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 Philippe?
Philippe originates from France tradition. France 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 Philippe?
Philippe is a three-syllable name pronounced F IH0 L IY1 P EY0. 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 Philippe?
Philippe pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.