Philippa, of Greek origin, means "lover of horses." It is a charming and distinctive name, historically associated with royalty. One notable bearer was Philippa of Lancaster (1360-1415), who married King Eric of Denmark in 1397. This union played a significant role in the political landscape of Europe during the late medieval period. The name has also been used by various nobility and aristocracy throughout history, contributing to its regal aura. In literature, Philippa appears as a character in George Meredith's novel "The Egoist" (1879).
The name Philippa experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak in recent times. The highest number of births recorded was 75 in 2022, a stark contrast to the lowest figure of 5 in several years including 1910, 1923, and 1970. Despite these variations, there has been a clear upward trend since around the year 2000, with the total number of births reaching 67 in 2023. Overall, Philippa appears to have gained popularity as a baby girl's name over time, with its usage experiencing both low points and notable peaks.