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 #1920 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Philomena?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Philomena Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Philomena Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Philomena Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Philomena Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Philomena Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Philomena right now?
Falling — down 101 spots — currently #1920 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1920 | 101 | ▼ down 101 · -9% births |
| 2024 | #1819 | 111 | ▲ up 508 · +41% births |
| 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 | — |
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:
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 | 298 | |
💎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
How is Philomena written in other languages?
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 fil-um-EE-nuh. 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.