Declining since 1986, #527 for boys today.
Popularity of Philip since 1880
Babies named Philip per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,741 |
| 1890s | 2,147 |
| 1900s | 2,817 |
| 1910s | 18,166 |
| 1920s | 27,268 |
| 1930s | 28,847 |
| 1940s | 48,735 |
| 1950s | 60,853 |
| 1960s | 44,780 |
| 1970s | 31,367 |
| 1980s | 35,733 |
| 1990s | 20,460 |
| 2000s | 10,193 |
| 2010s | 7,216 |
| 2020s | 3,713 |
Meaning & origin
Philip has a long history stretching back to ancient Greece, and it entered the English naming pool through Christian tradition and later royal associations. In the United States, Philip peaked in popularity in 1948 and has been on a gradual decline since 1986. By 2025, it ranked #527, with about 1 in 3,007 boys receiving the name. The name remains most popular in the Southern states of Mississippi, Idaho, and Louisiana. While it has fallen from its mid-century height, Philip retains a classic, understated appeal that has kept it in steady use for over a century.
From the Greek name Φίλιππος (Philippos), composed of the elements φίλος (philos) 'friend, lover' and ἵππος (hippos) 'horse'. The name was borne by several ancient Macedonian kings, most notably Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, and by one of the Twelve Apostles in the New Testament. It has been widely used in the English-speaking world since the Middle Ages, reinforced by the popularity of saints and royalty.
Where Philip 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.
“Philip” around the world
Where Philip lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
14
babies in 2025
Quebec
12
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Phil, Pip
Variants: Phillip
Sibling names for Philip
Names that share Philip's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Margaret, Catherine, Elizabeth, Eleanor, Josephine, Bernadine, Clarissa, Marcella, Berenice, Gillian, Justina, Dorinda, Jacquelene, Doree, Jeniece, Olivette, Persis, Paticia, Petula, Paulla
Brothers: Henry, Charles, William, Edward, George, Martin, Antony, Clovis, Laurance, Carlyle, Langdon, Eugune, Kennet, Lyonel, Renald, Bedford, Partick
Names like Philip
Names whose popularity has moved with Philip's over the last 50 years.
