What does Phillip mean and where does it come from?
Phillip is traditionally a male name, but it has been adopted as a female name in various contexts. It is derived from the Greek name 'Philippos' (Φίλιππος), combining 'philos' (loving) and 'hippos' (horse). It is widely known due to historical figures, such as Philip II of Macedon. The name is ofte
Cultural significance
Phillip has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #626 in 2024 — currently #651 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Phillip?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Phillip?
Phillip works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Phillip Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Phillip John
One syllable · timeless choice
Phillip Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Phillip Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Phillip Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Phillip Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Phillip right now?
Declining — down 25 spots — currently #651 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #651 | 425 | ▼ down 25 · -6% births |
| 2024 | #626 | 453 | ▼ down 6 |
| 2023 | #620 | 452 | ▼ down 47 · -12% births |
| 2022 | #573 | 514 | ▼ down 49 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #524 | 559 | ▲ up 15957 · +11080% births |
| 2005 | #16481 | 5 | ▼ down 3069 |
| 1995 | #13412 | 5 | ▼ down 6932 · -62% births |
| 1990 | #6480 | 13 | ▼ down 3993 · -67% births |
| 1985 | #2487 | 39 | ▲ up 122 · +8% births |
| 1980 | #2609 | 36 | ▲ up 280 · +44% births |
| 1975 | #2889 | 25 | ▼ down 684 · -31% births |
| 1970 | #2205 | 36 | ▲ up 950 · +125% births |
| 1965 | #3155 | 16 | ▼ down 997 · -45% births |
| 1960 | #2158 | 29 | ▲ up 691 · +81% births |
| 1955 | #2849 | 16 | — |
The story of Phillip
Phillip entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. More than 310,414 babies have been named Phillip since 1918. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2791 in 1925 to #620 in 2023. Phillip is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Phillip in 2024:
Phillip by decade
Phillip peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 898 | |
| 1890s | 884 | |
| 1900s | 1,161 | |
| 1910s | 5,146 | |
| 1920s | 9,595 | |
| 1930s | 16,600 | |
| 1940s | 37,073 | |
| 1950s ★ | 52,629 | |
| 1960s | 50,631 | |
| 1970s | 40,137 | |
| 1980s | 46,021 | |
| 1990s | 28,026 | |
| 2000s | 13,472 | |
| 2010s | 7,595 | |
| 2020s | 1,424 | |
What are good nicknames for Phillip?
PORTUGUESE
BRAZILIAN(Felipinho
What names sound and feel like Phillip?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Phillip also consider these
How is Phillip written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Phillip?
Common questions about the name Phillip
What does the name Phillip mean?
Phillip 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 Phillip?
Phillip is currently ranked #620 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 Phillip?
Phillip 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 Phillip?
Phillip is a two-syllable name pronounced FIL-up. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Phillip more of a girl or boy name?
Phillip is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.