Declining since 1988, #7,679 for boys today.
Popularity of Phil since 1880
Babies named Phil per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1959, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Phil's real moment was 1947.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 169 |
| 1890s | 179 |
| 1900s | 218 |
| 1910s | 938 |
| 1920s | 1,506 |
| 1930s | 2,571 |
| 1940s | 4,575 |
| 1950s | 3,777 |
| 1960s | 4,053 |
| 1970s | 889 |
| 1980s | 457 |
| 1990s | 315 |
| 2000s | 198 |
| 2010s | 139 |
| 2020s | 52 |
Meaning & origin
Phil, as a standalone name, has largely followed the trajectory of its parent name Philip. First recorded in the U.S. in 1880, Phil saw its peak popularity in 1947, likely influenced by the wave of classic short-form names favored in the mid-20th century. Since 1988, its usage has been steadily declining, and as of the latest data from 2025, Phil ranks 7679th, with only about 1 in 170,808 newborns receiving the name. This drop reflects broader naming trends away from old-fashioned nicknames as given names. Phil's simple, friendly sound and strong etymological roots keep it a recognizable but rare choice in modern times.
Phil is a short form of Philip, from the Greek name Philippos, derived from 'philos' (friend) and 'hippos' (horse), meaning 'friend of horses'. The name was popularized by Saint Philip, an apostle of Jesus, and was borne by several kings of Macedonia, including Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. As an independent given name, Phil gained usage in English-speaking countries in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Where Phil is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Phil
Names that share Phil's style, for a brother or sister.
