Declining since 1985, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Philippe since 1914
Babies named Philippe per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 40 |
| 1920s | 121 |
| 1930s | 98 |
| 1940s | 149 |
| 1950s | 305 |
| 1960s | 401 |
| 1970s | 409 |
| 1980s | 513 |
| 1990s | 405 |
| 2000s | 304 |
| 2010s | 201 |
| 2020s | 97 |
Meaning & origin
Philippe, the French form of Philip, has a history rooted in classical royalty. In the United States, the name first appeared on the Social Security Administration's records in 1914 and climbed in popularity. Its peak year was 1979, when it achieved its highest rank. However, since 1985, the name's usage has been falling, reflecting a broader trend away from traditional French names. As of 2025, Philippe ranks 6143rd, with an incidence of 1 in 122,005 births. The name has been most commonly used in California, where French cultural influence is strong. Despite its decline in the U.S., Philippe remains a distinguished choice, evoking historical figures like French kings and the apostle Philip. Its steady but diminishing popularity suggests a name that is classic yet increasingly rare.
Philippe is the French form of the Greek name Philippos, derived from 'philein' (to love) and 'hippos' (horse), thus meaning 'lover of horses'. The name was borne by several kings of France and Macedon, including Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. In France, Philippe has been a classic royal name, used by many nobles and saints.
Where Philippe is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Philippe” around the world
Where Philippe lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Quebec
#93
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Flip, Phil
Sibling names for Philippe
Names that share Philippe's style, for a brother or sister.
