Philip

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Philip is derived from the Greek name Philippos, meaning 'lover of horses' or 'friend of horses.' It has been a royal and saintly name throughout European history, with strong classical roots.

Current Popularity

#528 for boys

in the United States (2025)

Projected 2026: #542, likely #465 to #619

↗Declining

Popularity over time

188019502020
Recent years · births per year

Dashed bar: 2026 (projected): 560. How this is calculated

Yearly values
  • 2011: 696
  • 2012: 715
  • 2013: 769
  • 2014: 799
  • 2015: 708
  • 2016: 712
  • 2017: 729
  • 2018: 693
  • 2019: 696
  • 2020: 658
  • 2021: 675
  • 2022: 619
  • 2023: 605
  • 2024: 588
  • 2025: 568
  • 2026 (projected): 560

Good to Know

Common nicknames: Phil, Pip, Flip, Philly
  • •Timeless name that works well across all ages
  • •Alternative spelling 'Phillip' with double 'l' also common
  • •Strong presence in royal families and historical figures
  • •Easy to spell and pronounce internationally
  • •Multiple spelling variations exist

Famous People

P

Prince Philip

Duke of Edinburgh, British Royal

P

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Academy Award-winning Actor

P

Philip Pullman

Author of 'His Dark Materials'

P

Philip Glass

Renowned Classical Composer

Statistics

344,036

Total births since 1880

1953

Peak year

Discovery

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