Phil is a popular masculine given name of Greek origin, meaning "lover of horses." It is derived from the ancient Greek word 'philippos,' which consists of 'philo-' meaning 'loving' and '-hippos' referring to 'horses.' The name gained prominence through Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. In its various forms such as Philip, Felipe, Filippo, Filip, and Phil, it has been a well-liked choice across numerous cultures throughout history. It is commonly associated with historical figures like King Phillip II of Spain, Philip IV of France, and more recently, Philippine, an archipelago named after the Spanish crown prince Philip. The name Phil has also been popular in literature and arts, being borne by characters in works like "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen and the comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles Schulz. It is typically used as a standalone given name but can also serve as a short form of its longer variants.
"Phil is a name that was popular among parents from the early to mid-20th century, with notable spikes in usage between 1912 and 1960."