Phillip
FIH-lihp
Phillip is a double-l variant of Philip, from the Greek Philippos, combining philos (“lover”) and hippos (“horse”)—“lover of horses.”
Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, made the name famous across the ancient world. It was borne by one of Christ’s apostles and by five kings of France and six kings of Spain.
Phillip peaked at No. 64 in 1950 with 5,055 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 626 with 450 births, a long, gradual retreat from its mid-century heights.
What the name Phillip means
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921-2021), kept the name visible through decades of British public life. Actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman used the double-l spelling.
Two syllables—FIL-ip—are crisp and traditional. The voiceless fricative opening and the soft close mark it as a classically English given name.
The single-l Philip is the historically dominant spelling. Phillip with two ls is an American variant that has maintained comparable frequency since the 20th century.
The name’s decline is generational: boys named Phillip in 1950 are in their 70s today. A revival is possible, following the pattern of other classic names cycling back into fashion.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Phillip
Phillip - similar names
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity