Philip
Lover of horses — a boy name of Greek origin
Popularity of Philip in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Philip
Philip comes from the Greek name Philippos, composed of "philein" (to love) and "hippos" (horse), meaning "lover of horses." Horses were symbols of wealth and aristocracy in ancient Greece, making Philip a name associated with nobility. Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, was one of the earliest prominent bearers. The name was subsequently borne by kings of France, Spain, and Belgium, as well as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. It has been a consistently used name throughout Western history, prized for its classical dignity and royal heritage.
Philip Around the World
Philip is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 22+ international variants.
Female FormPhilipa
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Philip
Famous People Named Philip
- Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh — husband of Queen Elizabeth II
- Philip Seymour Hoffman — American actor and Academy Award winner
- Philip Roth — American novelist and Pulitzer Prize winner
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Sibling Name Ideas for Philip
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Philip mean?
Philip is a boy name of Greek origin meaning "Lover of horses." Philip comes from the Greek name Philippos, composed of "philein" (to love) and "hippos" (horse), meaning "lover of horses." Horses were symbols of wealth and aristocracy in ancient Greece, making Philip a name associated with nobility.
How do you pronounce Philip?
Philip is pronounced FIL-ip. Common variations include Phillip, Philippe, Felipe.
Is Philip a boy name?
Yes, Philip is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Phil, Pip, Flip.
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