What does Philips mean and where does it come from?
Philips is a variant of the name Philip, which has roots in Greek and has been popular in many forms across various cultures. It is often used as a surname as well as a first name. The name signifies noble traits and love for horses, which were historically significant in many cultures. Its legacy i
Cultural significance
Philips has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of philip, which means 'lover of horses'..
Peak popularity
Reached #3511 in 1938 — currently #1930 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Philips?
Philips works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Philips Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Philips Rose
Floral · soft ending
Philips Mae
Sweet · timeless
Philips Claire
French influence · crisp
Philips Jane
Literary · strong
Philips Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Philips right now?
Holding steady — currently #1930 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1930 | 270 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #1935 | 250 | ▲ up 5 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #1940 | 220 | — |
The story of Philips
Philips entered American naming records in 1928 and has been in use for over 96 years. With 21 total births recorded, Philips remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1940 in 2021 to #1930 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Philips in 1938:
Philips by decade
Philips peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1930s ★ | 6 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
💎Philips has only 21 total recorded births since 1928 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Philips?
Common
PhiPhilPhiliePhilyIlips
What names sound and feel like Philips?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Philips also consider these
Common questions about the name Philips
What does the name Philips mean?
Philips means "Son of Philip, which means 'lover of horses'." — 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 Philips?
Philips is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Philips?
Philips 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.
Is Philips a common or rare name?
Philips is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Philips?
Philips naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.