Phillips is a name of English origin that has a long and fascinating history. It is derived from the Middle English personal name Philip, which is ultimately derived from the Greek name Philippus. The Greek name Philippus is composed of two elements: philos, meaning "loving" or "affectionate," and hippos, meaning "horse." Therefore, the name Phillips literally means "loving horse."
The name Phillips was first introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century, although it did not become particularly popular until several centuries later. In the Middle Ages, Phillips was often used as a surname, particularly among those families with a history of horse breeding or horsemanship.
Throughout history, many notable figures have borne the name Phillips. One of the most famous is Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586), an English poet, courtier, scholar, and soldier who was renowned for his works such as "Astrophil and Stella" and "The Defence of Poetry." Another notable figure is Sir Henry Philip Hope (1796-1838), a Dutch-born British banker whose collection of rare gemstones is considered one of the most valuable and beautiful ever assembled.
Today, Phillips remains a popular name in English-speaking countries, although it is more commonly used as a surname than a given name. Despite its relative rarity as a first name, Phillips continues to be associated with intelligence, creativity, and sophistication due to its historical connections to figures such as Sir Philip Sidney.
In conclusion, the name Phillips has an interesting history that spans centuries and cultures. With its origins in ancient Greek and its association with notable figures throughout history, it is a name that carries a great deal of meaning and significance. Whether used as a given name or surname, Phillips remains a distinctive and memorable choice.
The name Phillips has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1904. Between then and now, there have been a total of 1331 births, with varying popularity over the years.
From 1904 to 1929, Phillips was quite popular, with an average of around 15 births per year during this period. The name peaked in popularity between 1923 and 1930, with a high of 23 births in 1930.
However, from the 1940s onwards, Phillips started to become less popular. Between 1940 and 1965, there were fewer than 20 births per year on average. The name hit its lowest point in popularity between 1974 and 1983, with an average of just 7 births per year during this period.
Despite the decrease in popularity, Phillips has managed to maintain a steady presence over the years. From 1984 onwards, there have been at least five births per year, with some years seeing as many as 18 Phillips babies born (in 1990).
In recent years, Phillips has seen a slight resurgence in popularity. Between 2015 and 2023, there were an average of seven births per year, which is higher than the average from the late 1970s to the early 1980s.
Overall, while Phillips may not be as popular as it once was, it remains a name that has been given to babies for over a century. With its unique sound and spelling, Phillips continues to be chosen by parents looking for a distinctive name for their children.