Philippos is a Greek masculine given name derived from the ancient Greek name Φίλιππος (Philippos). This name consists of two elements: φίλος (philos), meaning 'friend', and ἵππος (hippos), signifying 'horse'. Thus, Philippos can be interpreted as 'fond of horses' or 'horseloving'.
The name has a rich historical background. It was borne by several notable figures in ancient Greek history, including Philip II of Macedon (382–336 BC), the father of Alexander the Great. Philip II named his son after himself and his brother, Philippos, who was also a military commander.
In Greece, Philippos is still used today as a given name for boys. It has also been adopted by other cultures, including those in Europe and beyond, where it may be spelled differently, such as Philipp or Philip.
Overall, Philippos is an attractive name with a strong historical heritage that reflects its ancient Greek origins. Its meaning adds to its appeal, suggesting a fondness for horses or a love of companionship.
The name Philippos has seen a relatively steady presence in the United States over the past two decades, with an average of five to six births per year since 2001. In fact, there were three years (2001, 2012, and 2013) where exactly five newborns were named Philippos each year. However, in more recent years, the number of babies given this name has slightly increased, with six births in both 2017 and 2020, followed by a notable rise to nine births in 2021.
Over the entire period from 2001 to 2021, a total of 36 newborns were named Philippos in the United States. This data suggests that while not extremely common, the name Philippos has maintained a consistent level of popularity among parents during this timeframe. It will be interesting to observe whether this trend continues or changes in the coming years.