MallowbyNames

Phill

fil · Lover of horses or friend of horses.

Peak popularity
1900
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Phill since 1900

Babies named Phill per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1960, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Phill's real moment was 1900.

71421192019602000Most births 1960Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1900s12
1910s30
1920s96
1930s73
1940s131
1950s126
1960s113
1970s24
1980s0
1990s12
2000s5
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Phill is a variant spelling of Phil, a diminutive of the classic Greek name Philip. According to our data, the name first appeared in records in 1900, which also stands as its peak year, albeit with limited usage. Since then, Phill has remained stable but extremely rare, never cracking the top 1000 in any subsequent year. As of 2025, it continues to be used sporadically, reflecting its status as an uncommon variant. The name's steady but minimal presence underscores its niche appeal, often chosen by parents seeking a familiar sound with a slightly distinctive spelling. Phil and its variants have been part of the English naming pool for centuries, thanks to Saint Philip and numerous historical figures, but Phill itself remains a footnote in that tradition.

Phill is a variant spelling of Phil, a short form of Philip, which derives from the Greek name Philippos, composed of 'philein' (to love) and 'hippos' (horse). The name was borne by several early saints and has been common in the English-speaking world since the Middle Ages.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Phil

Variants: Phil

Sibling names for Phill

Names that share Phill's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Lily, Grace, Emma, Claire, Sophie

Brothers: Tom, Sam, Max, Jack, Harry

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

P is for Phill, our favorite little boy.

P is for Phill…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Phill's letter becomes Phill's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Phill's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Phill mean?
Phill means "lover of horses" or "friend of horses," derived from the Greek name Philippos.
Is Phill currently popular?
Phill has not ranked in the U.S. top 1000 in recent decades. Its peak usage was in 1900, the earliest year in our dataset, where it ranked but data is sparse.
Is Phill a boy's name?
Yes, Phill is traditionally a masculine name, typically used as a short form or variant of Philip.