Philemon, of Greek origin, means 'lover of competition' and is a name derived from the Ancient Greek word 'philos', meaning 'love'. It was a popular name among early Christians due to its association with Philemon, a figure in the New Testament who hosted Paul the Apostle during his imprisonment. The name Philemon is also featured in a book of the same name written by Saint Paul himself, which discusses forgiveness and reconciliation between slaves and masters. Despite its roots in Christian tradition, Philemon remains a unique and intriguing name choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet meaningful for their child.
"Between 1916 and 2023, the name Philemon saw a total of 908 births, with fluctuations in popularity over time. The peak years for newborns named Philemon were 1969 with 16 births and 2021 with 21 births. However, there have been several years where no babies named Philemon were recorded."