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Philip

♂ Boy

Pronounced FIL-ip /ˈfɪl.ɪp/High

Meaning: From Greek Philippos, a compound of philos ('loving') and hippos ('horse'), meaning 'lover of horses' or 'horse-friend'; a prestigious name in ancient MacedoniaHigh

In 30 seconds: Philip is a bedrock Greek classic meaning 'lover of horses,' carried by Macedonian kings, apostles, and princes. Dignified and understated, it wears every era well.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningFrom Greek Philippos, a compound of philos ('loving') and hippos ('horse'), meaning 'lover of horses' or 'horse-friend'; a prestigious name in ancient Macedonia
U.S. rank (2025)#528 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births568 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1953
Total births (all-time)≈ 344,026

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195418802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Philip derives from ancient Greek Philippos, combining philos (loving) and hippos (horse). Philip II of Macedon (382–336 BCE), father of Alexander the Great, made it a royal name of the ancient world. It passed into the New Testament through the apostle Philip of Bethsaida, spreading it across Christian Europe. Medieval kings of France, England, and Spain bore it, cementing its pan-European prestige.

Philip has been in steady English use since the Middle Ages. Its American popularity peaked mid-20th century and it has declined modestly since, but it has never left the top 500 and is considered a perennial classic. The British royal family's use of Philip (Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh) kept it prominent internationally. The alternative spelling Phillip (double-l) is nearly as common.

Did you know? Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, spread this name across the ancient world — and the Philippines themselves were named for his descendant Philip II of Spain, making this one of the few names that has given a modern nation its name.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Philip — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

PhillipPhilippeFilipFilippo

Nicknames

PhilPip

Famous Bearers

  • ★Philip II of Macedon (382–336 BCE)
    King of Macedon and father of Alexander the Great, who united much of ancient Greece.
  • ★Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921–2021)
    Consort of Queen Elizabeth II and longest-serving royal consort in British history.

If you like Philip…

Nicholas— fellow Greek apostolic classic with the same quiet, timeless dignity
Andrew— another New Testament Greek name with identical cultural gravitas
Simon— two-syllable biblical Greek name that sits in the same understated tier
Stephen— shares the Greek heritage, apostolic associations, and mid-century peak

Frequently Asked

What does the name Philip mean?

Philip comes from Greek Philippos, combining philos (loving) and hippos (horse), meaning 'lover of horses.' It was borne by kings, apostles, and princes for over two millennia.

How do you pronounce Philip?

It is said FIL-ip — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Philip a boy or girl name?

Philip is used almost exclusively as a boys' name. The feminine form is Philippa.

How popular is Philip?

Philip peaked in the U.S. mid-20th century and has since declined modestly, but it remains a steady classic that has never left the top 500.