Philomena

“friend of strength” — Associated with Saint Philomena

Greece origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#2327US 2023

79Births / yr

↓Falling

9.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.03% of births at peak

How to pronounce Philomena

fil·um·EE·nuh

/fɪl.əm.ˈiː.nə/ · stress on EE · 4 syllables

“friend of strength”

Associated with Saint Philomena · Greece origin

What does Philomena mean and where does it come from?

Philomena is derived from the Greek name 'Philemon', meaning 'friend of strength'. The name first appeared in early Christian texts and is often associated with Saint Philomena, who is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church. Popular in Ireland, it saw renewed interest in the 19th century due to the

Cultural significance

Philomena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of friend of strength.

Peak popularity

Reached #355 in 1915 — currently #2327 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Philomena?

Philomena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Philomena Grace

How popular is Philomena right now?

Falling — down 60 spots — currently #2327 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#2327 · Top 1.7%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#2327	79	▼ down 60 · -5% births
2022	#2267	83	▲ up 93 · +8% births
2021	#2360	77	▼ down 260 · -10% births
2020	#2100	86	▲ up 249 · +10% births
2015	#2349	78	▲ up 2257 · +152% births
2010	#4606	31	▲ up 831 · +35% births
2005	#5437	23	▲ up 776 · +35% births
2000	#6213	17	▲ up 2566 · +89% births
1995	#8779	9	▲ up 4185 · +80% births
1990	#12964	5	▼ down 5397 · -37% births
1985	#7567	8	▲ up 615 · +14% births
1980	#8182	7	▼ down 3326 · -42% births
1975	#4856	12	▼ down 1646 · -40% births
1970	#3210	20	▼ down 741 · -17% births
1965	#2469	24	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Philomena

Best Year1915Rank #355

Peak Count284

Average Rank#3076

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Philomena

Philomena has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 9,496 total births recorded, Philomena remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #572 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2327 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Philomena in 1915:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Philomena by decade

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

Decade	Births
1880s	140
1890s	296
1900s	613
1910s	2,071
1920s ★	2,711
1930s	1,070
1940s	547
1950s	533
1960s	239
1970s	115
1980s	72
1990s	121
2000s	218
2010s	664
2020s	86

💎With 9,496 total births, Philomena is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Philomena?

Common

PhiPhilPhiliePhilyEna

What names sound and feel like Philomena?

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

Philomina

Greece · Lover of strength

Philamena

USA · A beloved name

Philomen

Greece · Lover of strength

Italy · derived from the

Nicolena

Italy · Victory of the

How is Philomena written in other languages?

Φιλομενα

Ancient Greek

Common questions about the name Philomena

What does the name Philomena mean?

Philomena means "friend of strength" — 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 Philomena?

Philomena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Philomena?

Philomena 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 Philomena?

Philomena is a four-syllable name pronounced F IH0 L AH0 M IY1 N 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 Philomena?

Philomena 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.