Phillip

Meaning & origin

Phillip is a long-established masculine name of Greek origin, associated with one of the most storied figures of antiquity, Philip of Macedon. Its current standing in the United States places it at rank 651 as of 2025, a notable decline from its historic peak. The name reached its height in 1949, when it was considerably more common, and has been on a gradual downward trajectory since 1986. Today, it is given to roughly 1 in 4,019 boys, reflecting a modest but steady presence. Geographically, the name tends to be more popular in certain parts of the country, with top usage recorded in South Dakota, Kentucky, and Alabama. Despite its waning overall popularity, Phillip retains a classic, everyman appeal and is recognized instantly across generations. Its variant with a single 'l', Philip, has traditionally been the more favored spelling, though Phillip continues to be chosen by parents seeking a slightly more distinctive rendering of this ancient name.

Phillip is a variant spelling of Philip, which originates from the Greek name Philippos (Φίλιππος), composed of the elements 'philos' meaning 'friend, lover' and 'hippos' meaning 'horse'. This name was famously borne by several ancient rulers, most notably Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. The doubled 'l' spelling emerged as an English variant and has been in use alongside the more common Philip for centuries, though it has always been less frequent. The name has been consistently used in the English-speaking world since the Middle Ages, reinforced by the popularity of Saint Philip the Apostle.