Philip is of Greek origin, derived from the name 'Philippus', which was borne by several kings of Macedon, including Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. It means "lover of horses" and was popularized during the Middle Ages due to these historical figures.
Phillip became a common given name in England during the 12th century, introduced by the Normans after the Norman Conquest. It has since been used widely throughout English-speaking countries.
In its various forms such as Philip, Phillip, Felipe, and Filip, the name has been borne by numerous notable figures throughout history and modern times, including philosophers, scientists, explorers, writers, artists, and political leaders. This reflects its enduring popularity and appeal across different cultures and eras.
The name Philip experienced a decline in popularity after the 1960s, with no recorded births from 1964 to 1985. It saw a resurgence in the late 1980s, with seven births each in 1986 and 1987, but dropped again to five births in 1989. Overall, there were 64 births named Philip over this period.