Holding steady.
Popularity of Filemon since 1917
Babies named Filemon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 58 |
| 1930s | 44 |
| 1940s | 59 |
| 1950s | 32 |
| 1960s | 56 |
| 1970s | 51 |
| 1980s | 54 |
| 1990s | 80 |
| 2000s | 59 |
| 2010s | 11 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Filemon is a name with deep historical and religious roots, yet it remains exceedingly rare in the United States. First recorded in 1917, it reached its peak year in 1928, after which its usage remained stable at very low levels. The name is the Spanish and Polish form of the Greek Philemon, known from the New Testament epistle. Despite its rarity, Filemon carries a pleasant meaning of affection and friendship. Its stable trajectory suggests it has never experienced a sudden surge or decline, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with biblical and classical heritage without widespread modern use.
Filemon is the Spanish and Polish form of the Greek name Philemon, derived from 'philema' meaning 'kiss' or 'philos' meaning 'friend, beloved'. In Greek mythology, Philemon was a pious Phrygian man who, with his wife Baucis, hospitably entertained Zeus and Hermes. The name appears in the New Testament as the recipient of one of Paul's epistles.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Filo, Moncho, File
Variants: Philemon, Philemonas
Sibling names for Filemon
Names that share Filemon's style, for a brother or sister.
