A male name. Greek Φίλιππος ‘lover of horses’, the name of one of the apostles. It was common in England in the Middle Ages, as is shown by the number of surnames derived from it and its nicknames; there are 8 ways of spelling the simple patronymic Philip, Philips, besides Philipson, Philp,Philps, Phelip, Phelips, Phelps, Philpot, Philpots (from the French diminutive Philip-ot), Philkin, Philcox, Phipps, Philson and others. Phelyp is found as a christian name as late as the end of the 15th C, and Philip was used as a nickname for the sparrow. The popularity of the name waned after the reign of Mary Tudor, when Philip of Spain became the enemy par excellence. Sir Philip Sidney was his godson, born while he was King Consort of England. The name was very rare in the 17th and 18th C, but gradually came back into use in the 19th C.

Philippus Curia Regis Rolls 1186-1220, Hundred Rolls 1273. Phelippe Exchequer Rolls 1306. Phelyp Records of St. Mary at Hill, 1420-1559 (E.E.T.S. 125-8) 1491. Phelypp Coventry Mysteries 15th C. Philipot Yorks Poll Tax of West Riding of Yorkshire 1379 1379. Phylypp Cocke Lorelle’s Bote c. 1515.

Greek Φίλιππος (Philippos), ‘fond of horses’ (cf. Persian Aspamistras, ‘horse-lover’), became general in the Near East colonized by Macedon, so many of whose kings and princes bore this name. The Apostle Philip and Philip the Deacon (one of seven deacons appointed by the Apostles); French and Spanish kings; noblemen innumerable: they all contributed to spread Philip (etc.) throughout Europe.

Properly Philipp. From the Greek name Φιλιππος, signifying fond of horses. It is found as a female name in Cornwall. The nickname is Phil.

Greek (masculine) - Lover of horses.

Fil'-ip, a warrior, a lover of horses. 1. The same as Herod Philip, which see. 2. Philip the apostle, a native of Bethsaida, in Galilee. John i. 43, 44; Luke vi. 14; Matt x. 3; John vi. 5 7. 3. The second of the seven deacons chosen by the apostles after our Saviour s resurrection. Acts vi. 5.

Meaning: lover of horses (i.e., the race).

A Greek name, meaning: Lover of horses.