Phillip
Meaning: Lover of horses
Origin: Greek
Gender: Boy
Rank in Australia: #50
Total births: 11,967
History: Phillip has deep Australian roots — Arthur Phillip was the first Governor of New South Wales and the man who established the colony at Sydney Cove in 1788. Phillip Island is home to the famous penguin parade. The name is literally in the foundation stones of Australia.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1994) | #90 |
| Babies named Phillip in 1994 | 94 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 11,967 |
| Peak year | 1952 (596 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #14 |
| Years in records | 1952–1994 (43 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 27 spots |
Frequently asked about Phillip
What does the name Phillip mean?
Phillip means “Lover of horses” from Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Phillip?
Phillip has Greek origin. The traditional meaning is “Lover of horses”.
How popular is Phillip in Australia?
Phillip ranked #90 in Australia in 1994 — given to 94 babies that year.
When was Phillip most popular?
Phillip peaked in 1952 with 596 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Phillip a boy or girl name?
Phillip is predominantly a boys' name in Australia — over 90% of Phillips in registered births are male.
Is the name Phillip rising or falling in popularity?
Phillip has fallen 27 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #63 in 1989 to #90 in 1994.
How long has Phillip been recorded in Australia?
Phillip appears in birth records in Australia across 43 years — from 1952 through 1994.