Philippa is a feminine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the name Philip, which means "lover of horses" in Greek. The name Philippa is typically used for girls and has been popular throughout history.
The name Philippa first appeared in the Middle Ages in France, where it was often used by royalty. One of the most notable bearers of this name was Philippa of Hainault, who was married to King Edward III of England in 1328. She played a significant role in politics during her time and was respected for her intelligence and political acumen.
Philippa has also been used throughout history by other notable figures, including Philippa Fawcett, a British mathematician and physicist who graduated top of her class at Cambridge University in 1890, despite the fact that women were not officially allowed to receive degrees at the time.
Today, Philippa remains a popular name for girls. It has a vintage feel while still being accessible and easy to pronounce. It is often associated with intelligence, strength, and royalty due to its historical significance. Overall, Philippa is a timeless name that combines elegance with a touch of uniqueness.
The name Philippa has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as indicated by these birth statistics from 1910 to 2023.
In the early 20th century, Philippa was a rare but recurring choice for parents. Between 1910 and 1925, there were around 7 births per year on average, with peaks in 1918 (19 births) and 1921 (15 births). The name seemed to have some popularity during this period, although it was not widespread.
The middle of the century saw a decline in Philippa's usage. From 1930 to 1960, there were fewer than 10 births per year on average, with several years having no recorded births at all. This suggests that Philippa may have fallen out of favor as a baby name during this time.
However, the latter half of the century brought renewed interest in Philippa. From 1960 onwards, there was an average of around 12 births per year, with peaks in 1988 (23 births) and 2022 (75 births). This trend continued into the 21st century, with over 50 births recorded each year from 2011 to 2023.
In total, there have been 1687 births of Philippa in the United States between 1910 and 2023. While the name has not always been popular, it has maintained a steady presence throughout the years. Today, Philippa is still a unique and memorable choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet sophisticated name for their daughter.
These statistics highlight the cyclical nature of baby naming trends and demonstrate how even relatively rare names like Philippa can maintain some level of popularity over time. They also show that while certain names may fall out of favor in one era, they can experience a resurgence later on.