Philip
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Lover of horses
Origin: Greek
Popularity: Ranked #528 in 2025 with 568 babies born.
History: Philip comes from the Greek 'Philippos,' combining 'philos' (lover) and 'hippos' (horse). It was the name of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, and one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. It has been used by royalty across Europe, including Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and remains a classic name worldwide.
Famous people named Philip: Prince Philip (British royal), Philip Seymour Hoffman (actor)
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Philip? About 1 in 5,860 babies born in 2025 were named Philip, or roughly 1.6 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Philip
What does the name Philip mean?
Philip means “Lover of horses” from Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Philip?
Philip has Greek origin. The traditional meaning is “Lover of horses”.
How popular is Philip?
Philip ranked #527 in 2025 — given to 568 babies that year.
When was Philip most popular?
Philip peaked in 1953 with 6,279 babies registered that year.
Is Philip a boy or girl name?
Philip is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Philips in registered births are male.
Is the name Philip rising or falling in popularity?
Philip has fallen 76 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #451 in 2020 to #527 in 2025.
How long has Philip been recorded?
Philip appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.