ThinkabaraPhilip: meaning and origin
Philip
“Lover of horses”
About the name Philip
Philip is a boy’s name from the Greek tradition. Its meaning is “lover of horses”. Names from ancient Greek, often tied to virtues, myths and early Christian saints — like Sophia, Theodore, Chloe and Nicholas.
Philip is a biblical name, found in the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament, which is one reason it has been used for centuries in English-speaking families.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Greek names
- Alex 🧒Defender; a short form of Alexander and Alexandra · Greek
- Alexander 👦Defender of the people · Greek
- Andrew 👦Manly, strong · Greek
- Atlas 👦The Titan who held up the sky · Greek
- Christopher 👦Bearer of Christ · Greek
- Cyrus 👦Sun; far-sighted (via Persian) · Greek
- Damian 👦To tame, subdue · Greek
- Elias 👦My God is the Lord; the Greek form of Elijah · Greek
- George 👦Farmer · Greek
- Jasper 👦Treasurer (via Persian); also the gemstone · Greek
- Leander 👦Lion-man · Greek
- Luke 👦From Lucania; one of the four Gospel writers · Greek
Sibling name ideas (Greek, girls)
- Alexandra 👧Defender of the people · Greek
- Athena 👧The Greek goddess of wisdom · Greek
- Calliope 👧Beautiful voice; the muse of poetry · Greek
- Chloe 👧Green shoot, young plant · Greek
- Cora 👧Maiden · Greek
- Daphne 👧Laurel tree · Greek
- Elena 👧Bright, shining light; a form of Helen · Greek
- Georgia 👧Farmer; also the US state · Greek
More boy names starting with P
- Patrick 👦Noble; the patron saint of Ireland · Latin
- Paul 👦Small, humble · Latin
- Peter 👦Rock, stone · Greek
Questions and answers
What does the name Philip mean?
Philip is a name of Greek origin. It means: lover of horses.
Is Philip a boy or girl name?
Philip is usually given to boys.
How many syllables does Philip have?
Philip has 6 letters and about 2 syllables.