What does Phillippa mean and where does it come from?
Phillippa is the feminine form of Philip, originating from the Greek name 'Philippos', which is composed of 'philos' (loving) and 'hippos' (horse). It has historical roots and has been used for centuries, primarily in the UK. Prominent figures with the name include Phillippa Gregory, a renowned auth
Cultural significance
Phillippa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lover of horses.
Peak popularity
Reached #3785 in 1960 — currently #545 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Phillippa?
Phillippa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Phillippa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Phillippa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Phillippa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Phillippa Claire
French influence · crisp
Phillippa Jane
Literary · strong
Phillippa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Phillippa right now?
Holding steady — currently #545 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #545 | 1,655 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #550 | 1,635 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #555 | 1,605 | ▲ up 3230 · +13275% births |
| 1960 | #3785 | 12 | — |
The story of Phillippa
Phillippa entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 66 total births recorded, Phillippa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3785 in 1960 to #545 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Phillippa in 1960:
Phillippa by decade
Phillippa peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 12 | |
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 16 | |
| 1960s ★ | 17 | |
| 1980s | 6 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
💎Phillippa has only 66 total recorded births since 1917 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Phillippa?
Famous people named Phillippa
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Phillippa (modern Greek athlete)
Phillippa brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
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Phillippa (Greek mythological figure)
Phillippa carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
P(
Phillippa (Greek poet or artist)
Phillippa helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
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Phillippa (modern Greek athlete)
Phillippa brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Phillippa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Phillippa also consider these
Common questions about the name Phillippa
What does the name Phillippa mean?
Phillippa means "lover of horses" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Phillippa?
Phillippa is currently ranked #545 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Phillippa?
Phillippa originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Phillippa?
Phillippa is a three-syllable name pronounced F IH1 L 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 Phillippa?
Phillippa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.