Declining since 2017, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Philo since 1880
Babies named Philo per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2017, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Philo's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 15 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 55 |
| 1920s | 70 |
| 1930s | 55 |
| 1940s | 21 |
| 1950s | 24 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 11 |
| 2010s | 81 |
| 2020s | 53 |
Meaning & origin
Philo is a rare Greek-derived name meaning 'loving' or 'beloved', drawing on the root 'philos'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, but peaked in popularity the very next year, 1881, likely due to cultural factors of the time. Since then, usage has declined steadily; the trajectory has been falling since 2017, and the name remains obscure. Primarily given to boys, Philo has never ranked among the top 1,000 names, and its highest recorded rank was 10,695 in 2025. The name's most famous association is with inventor Philo Farnsworth, though it predates him. Its simplicity and melodic sound give it a classic feel, yet it remains an uncommon choice, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with ancient roots.
Derived from the Greek element 'philos' meaning 'friend, dear, loving'. The name appears in ancient Greek compounds, but as an independent given name it saw modest use in the English-speaking world in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often associated with the notable inventor Philo Farnsworth.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Philo
Sibling names for Philo
Names that share Philo's style, for a brother or sister.
