He’s regal, he’s classic and yet the 21st century has not been kind to him.
Thanks to Lola for suggesting our Name of the Day: Philip.
It’s often difficult to determine which spelling of a name came first, but Philip is an exception. While Phillip is more common today, traditionally one L was the norm. The two L version became dominant only in the 20th century.
He comes from the Greek philos – friend – and hippos – horses. It’s the perfect name for your little equestrian.
Most famous Philips have been royal. In the ancient world, five kings of Macedon bore the name, as well as two rulers of the Seleucid Empire and a Roman emperor. There were also historians, statesmen and saints. One Saint Philip was an apostle; a second Saint Philip was a deacon in Jerusalem. We can safely assume that Philip was reasonably common.
In the early Middle Ages, Philip became a favored name for the Kings of France – six would bear the name – as well as rulers of Spain, Portugal, Navarre, Burgundy, Savoy, Artois and Flanders.
Philip, in fact, is the rare name that appears consistently in the historical record over centuries. Modern Philips include:
- Composer Philip Glass;
- Writers Philip Roth and Philip K. Dick;
- Athletes, including NFL quarterback Philip Rivers and golfer Phil Mickelson;
- Heavy metal’s Phil Anselmo, frontman of Pantera and Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott.
And, of course, there’s self help guru Dr. Phil and that prognosticator of prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil, the best known of the weather-predicting groundhogs.
Among the most famous fictional Philips is the hero of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, Philip Pirrip, though he’s known as Pip. There’s also Raymond Chandler’s detective Philip Marlowe. Nickelodeon gives us animated twins Phil and Lil DeVille on the Rugrats.
On the map, there are plenty of places named after all those rulers. Macedon’s Philip II established Philippi in Greece in the 350s BC. While there’s still a Philippi on the map, the original settlement is in ruins. And then there’s the Republic of the Philippines, named in honor of King Philip II of Spain by Spanish explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos.
Philip translates into nearly any European language, and ranks among the Top 100 boys’ names in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. In the US, however, Philip has fallen to #364 and Phillip stands at #295. That represents a plummet in the rankings for a name that spent decades in the Top 100. Of course, combine the spellings and Philip/Phillip accounts for nearly 2000 newborns in 2007 – making him a Top 200 pick.
Overall, this choice has great history and an enduring sound. He’s hurt by the lack of an easy nickname. We find Pip darling, but doubt it would wear well into the high school years. Phil is fine, but a bit blah. And we suspect the popularity of Dr. Phil and the famous groundhog don’t do much to inspire parents.
But there’s something interesting about Philip. Few names sound anything like this one, and that makes for a pleasingly distinctive choice. In the middle spot, we think he’s flawless. And if you don’t mind using the full two-syllables, he has possibilities as a first name, too.
Philip has been a favorite since I was a kid! He’s Aurora’s Prince. Until “the Little Mermaid” there was not another Disney Princess or a Prince with with a first name. That might be where I heard Philip (Phillip in the film) first but I’ve known a handful of Philips throughout my life. Some Phil, which doesn’t bother me the slightest), some Pip (two of them, big, strapping guys they were too) or simply Philip. Which I thoroughly like too. On top of that my Grandmother’s next younger sister married a L. Phillips thus bringing Phillips into the family as a surname.
I like his strength, his energy and his look: gracefully gray at the temples. I think Philip & Kenneth would work fantastically as brothers. (another chance at NotD, perhaps?) Philip get a huge “thumbsup: from me!
Despite generally liking the “royal” names, I’m not a big fan of Philip – Dr Phil and the British Queen Elizabeth II’s blundering husband, Prince Philip don’t help. Having said that, the nickname issue – a family friend, a Phillip, goes by “Flip” – kind of fun and a little different – what do you think?
I don’t have any strong feelings about it one way or the other. It’s one of those names common in people my age and a a bit older, usually known as Phil. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone chose it, though it’s not in fashion now. Flip is kind of cute.
I’m not sure about ‘Flip’ JNE, however I do agree with you in general about Philip. I love Royal names but Philip is probably the one that I find least inspiring. I don’t know why, I mean I should like him, he has all the attributes I usually love including a sound I usually go for (Amelia, Camilla, Cecily, Romilly – need I go on?!) but Philip just doesn’t set my world on fire. It’s most puzzling. True to form though, I feel much more warmly towards the feminine version Philippa, how does everyone else feel?
Kate, Katharine, whatever – I complete agree about Philippa!
I have a bit of a soft spot for Philip because he’s my favorite of my little brother’s best friends. He’s been such a sweetheart since he was a kid, and still is. He’s really the only association I have, so I have to say I like Philip. I think he’s strong sounding but a little soft at the same time. It’s not something I’d use, but the nickname Flip sure does appeal to me.
You really cannot under estimate the power of a positive/negative name association can you? I was racking my brain last night to figure out why I’m not into Philip and I think a large part of it is to do with the Philip’s I’ve met – all nice enough middle aged men but slightly dull and rather unmemorable.
May I suggest Philippa as name of the day then Verity? I’ve seen mentions made of Philippa on name sites before and she always seems to go down really well with you guys in the States, I guess because you’re not so used to hearing her. She has a pretty unique sound even when you are a bit more used to hearing her (although I suppose there is always Phyllida?!) Anway, it would be lovely to hear everyone’s thoughts on her…
Ps. I’ve decided to go by Kate instead of Katharine on the internet just because it feels more private to keep my real name out of the public domain, it’s still the same old me obsessing over names though!
My dad’s name! Well, actually it’s Philippe, but he goes by Philip in Australia, usually. [he's French!]. I don’t mind him, but I don’t think I’d use him as a fn.. a middle maybe. As others have noted, I don’t really have any strong feelings about him. He’s sweet and has strength, but comes off a little lacklustre to me.
I do like Philip! We had a little first grader last year with this name, but it’s certainly not one we hear at my school very often.
As Lola has said, Philip has been a favorite ever since watching “Sleeping Beauty.” I think he the handsomest Disney prince there is! And I loved that he had a real name instead of just being another “Prince Charming.”
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