Philippa, also known as Philomen, is a female given name of Greek origin. It means "lover of horses" and is derived from the Greek words 'philios', meaning "loving", and 'hippos', meaning "horse". The name has been used throughout history in various forms, but it is not particularly common today.
The earliest known use of the name Philippa was in ancient Greece, where it was given to women who were believed to have a particular affinity with horses. In medieval Europe, the name gained popularity among the nobility, and several queens and princesses were named Philippa. One notable example is Philippa of Hainault, who married King Edward III of England in 1328.
The use of the name Philomen has waned over time, but it continues to be used occasionally today. Some famous individuals with this name include Philomena Cunk, a fictional character created by British comedian Diane Morgan, and Philomena Franz, an American actress who is known for her roles in films such as "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Friday the 13th Part III".
The name Philomen has been given to five babies born in the United States in the year 1917, according to historical records. This makes it a rare and unique choice among parents during that time period.