There are names that flash like fireworks, dazzling for a season before fading away, and then there are names like Philip: enduring, regal, and quietly strong. As a name expert, I often describe Philip as the “navy blazer” of baby names, it is classic, versatile, and appropriate for every occasion, from the playground to the boardroom. It carries a vibe of gentle authority; it isn’t aggressive, yet it commands respect thanks to centuries of royal usage.
Etymologically, Philip is a Greek powerhouse meaning “lover of horses,” connecting it to nature, nobility, and strength. While it has long been associated with European kings and biblical history, it feels surprisingly fresh today because it has been resting just outside the trendiest lists. It offers the history of William or James without the overcrowded classrooms.
Verdict: Philip is an impeccable choice for a baby born in 2025. It bridges the gap between “grandpa chic” and timeless tradition, offering a child a name that everyone knows how to spell but few other children will have.
Philip Overview
- Meaning: Philip means “friend to horses” or “lover of horses.” It can also mean “horse friend” or “wild horse.” Philip is composed of the Greek “philos,” meaning “dear,” and “hippos,” meaning “horse.”
- Gender: Philip is a male name that pairs with the female Philomena.
- Origin: Philip is the English version of the Greek Philippos, meaning “friend of horses.” It was heavily influenced by Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great’s father. From ancient military heroes to the kings of Europe, Philip has continuously been associated with royalty and power.
- Pronunciation: Philip is pronounced “FIHL-uhp” in English.
- Popularity: Philip was a top 100 name for U.S. boys in the 19th- and 20th-centuries. It recently ranked in the top 500th to 600th names in the U.S.
- Nicknames: Filbert, Filly, Fip, Fips, Flip, Lip, Phil, Philly, Philo, Pip, Piper, Pipkin, Pippin, Plip.
- Variations: Felip, Felipe, Filib, Filip, Filipp, Filippi, Filippos, Fülöp, Philipose, Philipp, Philippe, Philippus, Phillip, Phillipp, Pilib, Pilypas, Piripi, Pothen, Pyllyp, Vilppu.
- Namesakes: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and husband of Queen Elizabeth II. Philip Glass, American composer and pianist known for his minimalistic scores.
What Does Philip Mean?
At its heart, the name Philip is an equestrian appellation. It is a male name derived from the Greek name Philippos. This ancient moniker is a compound of two elements: philos, meaning “friend,” “dear,” or “loving,” and hippos, meaning “horse.”
Therefore, the direct translation is “lover of horses” or “friend of horses.” In the context of Ancient Greece, owning and riding horses was a sign of immense wealth and aristocracy, so the meaning implies nobility and high social standing. It suggests a person who is capable, strong, and in command of nature.
Where Does the Name Philip Come From?
Philip is a name with a pedigree that rivals almost any other in history. Its roots are firmly planted in Classical Greece. It first gained major historical traction with Philip II of Macedon (382, 336 BC), a brilliant military tactician and the father of Alexander the Great. Because of his legacy, the name became a favorite among Eastern aristocrats.
The name eventually migrated into religious history via the New Testament. Saint Philip was one of the first apostles chosen by Jesus, which cemented the name’s usage across Christendom. During the Middle Ages, it transitioned from a religious choice to a royal staple. It became one of the most frequently used names for kings in France, Spain, and Portugal, and later became a fixture in the British Royal Family.
How Popular is the Name Philip?
If you look at the trajectory of Philip in the United States, you see the definition of a “modern classic” that is currently in a hibernation phase. For most of the 20th century, Philip was a powerhouse, remaining comfortably inside the Top 100 names until around 1990.
However, over the last three decades, it has seen a slow, gentle decline. It is no longer the ubiquitous name it was in the 1950s or 80s. In recent years, it has hovered between the Top 400 and Top 500 mark. This is actually excellent news for modern parents: it means Philip is a familiar, easy-to-spell name that is currently rare among babies. It is the antithesis of “trendy,” making it a distinct choice in a sea of Liams and Noahs.
How Do I Pronounce Philip?
The standard pronunciation in English is straightforward: FIHL-ihp.
The emphasis is placed on the first syllable. The “ph” creates the standard “f” sound. In some accents, the second syllable may sound slightly more like “up” (FIL-up), but the difference is negligible.
Is Philip a Boy or Girl Name?
Philip is historically and traditionally a masculine name. It has been used almost exclusively for boys for over two millennia. Parents looking for a feminine alternative with the same root usually opt for Philippa (often nicknamed Pippa) or the slightly more vintage Philomena.
Variations of Philip
Because of its biblical and royal reach, Philip has a local version in almost every European language. Here are some of the most notable international variations:
- Felipe (Spanish)
- Philippe (French)
- Filippo (Italian)
- Philipp (German)
- Filippos (Greek)
- Filip (Swedish/Polish/Slavic)
- Pilib (Irish)
- Fülöp (Hungarian)
- Vilppu (Finnish)
- Pylyp (Ukrainian)
Nicknames for Philip
One of Philip’s greatest strengths is its versatility in nicknames. It can be serious, playful, or literary depending on which short form you choose.
Common Nicknames:
- Phil: The classic, reliable standby.
- Pip: A literary favorite (thanks to Dickens), it feels youthful and spunky.
- Philly: An affectionate, softer option often used for young children.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Flip: energetic and retro-cool, perfect for a lively boy.
- Lip: Edgy and modern, popularized by the show Shameless.
- Pippin: A whimsical nod to Lord of the Rings, extending the “Pip” nickname.
Names Similar to Philip
If you love the vibe of Philip, classic, established, and gentlemanly, but want to explore other options, consider these names that share the same “DNA”:
- Arthur: Like Philip, this is a royal name with ancient roots that is currently enjoying a revival.
- Peter: Another apostolic classic that feels soft, friendly, and timeless.
- Henry: Shares the royal pedigree but is currently much more popular than Philip.
- Simon: A biblical name that, like Philip, is widely known but underused.
- William: The ultimate peer to Philip in terms of British royal history.
- Thomas: A sturdy, reliable classic that never really goes out of style.
- Edward: dignified and wealthy in history, offering the nickname “Teddy.”
- Timothy: Greek in origin (honoring God) and shares Philip’s gentle, syllabic rhythm.
Middle Names for Philip
Because Philip is a two-syllable name with a soft ending, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of middle names. We have categorized these to help you find your specific style.
Timeless & Royal Pairings
These combinations feel like they could belong to a future King or a CEO. They rely on other established classics.
Modern & Crisp Pairings
To give Philip a contemporary update, pair it with a shorter, punchier middle name.
Surnames & Soft Pairings
Using a surname or nature-inspired name adds a sophisticated, “old money” charm to Philip.
Sibling Names for Philip
A name as traditional as Philip requires siblings that can match its weight and history.
For a Brother
Brothers to Philip should have names that are equally masculine and rooted in tradition.
For a Sister
Sisters to Philip often have names that are elegant, feminine, and recognizable.
Famous People Named Philip
This name has graced the birth certificates of some of the most influential men in history and entertainment.
- Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: The husband of Queen Elizabeth II and the longest-serving royal consort in British history.
- Philip Seymour Hoffman: An Academy Award-winning American actor widely considered one of the greatest of his generation.
- Philip K. Dick: The legendary sci-fi author whose works inspired Blade Runner and Total Recall.
- Phil Collins: English drummer and singer-songwriter, known as the frontman of Genesis and a solo star.
- Philip Pullman: The acclaimed British author known for the fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials.
- Philip Rivers: An American football quarterback who played 17 seasons in the NFL.
- Phil Mickelson: Nicknamed “Lefty,” he is one of the most successful professional golfers in history.
Philip in Pop Culture
Fiction writers love the name Philip for characters who are either princely or average-guy heroes.
- Prince Phillip: The heroic prince who wakes Aurora in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
- Philip J. Fry: Better known simply as “Fry,” the lovable protagonist of the animated sci-fi sitcom Futurama.
- Uncle Phil (Philip Banks): The stern but loving father figure in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
- Philip “Lip” Gallagher: The genius but troubled eldest son in the series Shameless.
- Philip Marlowe: The archetypal hardboiled private detective created by Raymond Chandler.
FAQs About the Name Philip
What Does Philip Mean in the Bible?
In the New Testament of the Bible, Philip is one of Christ’s 12 apostles. Philip is known for handing out food to the 5,000 whom Jesus miraculously fed with just five loaves and two fish. He was also known as Philip the Evangelist because he spread the word about Christianity. The name Philip also then became the name for many later Christian saints.
What Does the Name Phillips Mean?
The patronymic surname Phillips stems from the first name Philip and originated in England in the 13th-century. It means “son of Philip,” also based on the Greek Philippos, meaning “friend of horses.” It’s a common surname in Wales and is an Anglo form of the Gaelic MacPhilib or McPhillips.
What Clan Is Philips?
The Clan Philips/Phillips originated in Scotland and dates back to the 13th century. They were ancient Britons who were pivotal in the growth of Scotland as a nation and also appeared in Wales. Later descendants of the Philips/Phillips include James Philipps, a 17th-century Welsh politician in the House of Commons.
How Do You Spell Philip? One L or Two?
The most traditional spelling is Philip with one “L,” which follows the Greek root Philippos and the biblical spelling. However, Phillip (with two Ls) is a very common variation, particularly as a surname-turned-first-name. While both are accepted, Philip (one L) is generally considered the “classic” spelling, while Phillip (two Ls) is slightly more common in the Southern United States.
Is Philip Considered an Old Man Name?
Philip falls into the category of “timeless” rather than strictly “old man.” While it was popular in the 1940s and 50s, giving it a grandfatherly vibe to some, it has been used consistently enough through the decades to avoid sounding dated. Like William or Daniel, it is viewed as an evergreen classic that ages well from babyhood to adulthood.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of the Name Philip?
Beyond the biblical connection, the spiritual meaning of Philip is often tied to service and connection. In the Bible, Philip was approachable and often the one who connected others to Jesus. The meaning “lover of horses” also spiritually symbolizes a person who can tame wild passions or harness strength for a greater good, representing a balance of power and gentleness.
Is Philip a Royal Name?
Yes, Philip is considered one of the quintessential royal names of Europe. Aside from the famous Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the name was borne by five kings of Spain (as Felipe), six kings of France (as Philippe), and ancient kings of Macedon. It is a name that signals heritage, continuity, and leadership.
Is Philip a Rare Name in 2025?
Philip is currently in a “Goldilocks” zone of popularity. It is not considered “rare” in the sense that people haven’t heard of it, but it is statistically uncommon for babies born today. Ranking outside the top 400, a child named Philip is unlikely to have to share his name with a classmate, making it a distinctive choice without being obscure.
