Philip
Philip first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 1953, when 6,279 boys were given the name.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Philip popular?
Vintage Philip is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1953.
| 2020s | 3,713 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 7,216 | |
| 2000s | 10,193 | |
| 1990s | 20,460 | |
| 1980s | 35,733 | |
| 1970s | 31,367 | |
| 1960s | 44,780 | |
| 1950s | 60,853 | |
| 1940s | 48,735 | |
| 1930s | 28,847 | |
| 1920s | 27,268 | |
| 1910s | 18,166 | |
| 1900s | 2,817 | |
| 1890s | 2,147 | |
| 1880s | 1,741 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Philip mean?
From the Greek Philippos, combining philos 'loving, dear, friend' with hippos 'horse' — literally 'lover of horses', not 'lover' in general. The phil- element genuinely means love/affection, but note the object is horses.
Names like Philip
greek names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Philip
Popular greek names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Philip
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Philip mean?
Philip means Lover of horses. From the Greek Philippos, combining philos 'loving, dear, friend' with hippos 'horse' — literally 'lover of horses', not 'lover' in general. The phil- element genuinely means love/affection, but note the object is horses.
What is the origin of the name Philip?
Philip is of greek origin.
How do you pronounce Philip?
Philip is pronounced “FIL-ip.”
Is Philip a boy or a girl name?
Philip is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Philip a popular name right now?
Philip is rarely given today, but saw real use in the past — it peaked back in 1953.
How popular is the name Philip?
In 2025, Philip ranked #528 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Philip most popular?
Philip was most popular in 1953, when about 6,279 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Philip?
Names similar to Philip include Damian, Elias, Xander, Luke, Orion.
What names go well with Philip?
greek names that pair well with Philip include Christopher, Cynthia, Andrew, Helen, Timothy.