This surname is derived from the name of an ancestor. 'the son of Philip,' from the nick, or abbreviated form Philip: compare Peart for Perrot. A North-English and Border form; v. Phelps.

Philp Gledstanes, 1541: The History of Liddesdale and the Debatable Land.

Patnk Phylp, 1547: ibid.

John Philpe, c. Elizabeth: Calendar of Proceedings in Chancery, temp. Elizabeth I.

1714. Married — John Philip and Rebecca Snelgrove: St. James, Clerkenwell.

1790. — Sparks Philp and Martha Honnor: St. George, Hanover Square.

Originally a Greek personal name which has the meaning of "fond of horses" (Philippas). In old records the name is usually spelled Philp, which is also a current form. In some cases it may be an Englishing of Mackillop, which see. Walter, son of Philip the chamberlain, had a grant of the lands of Lundin in Fife, c. 1166-71 (SHSM., IV, p. 306), and Walter, son of Philip, granted four bovates in Ralcormok to the Abbey of Cambuskenneth (Cambus., 36). Rauf Phelippe of Berewyke rendered homage, 1296 (Bain, II, p. 205). Robert Philloppe, sheriff-clerk of Dumfries, 1629 (Dumfries). James Philip of Almerieclose was author of the Grameidos libri sex: an heroic poem on the campaign of 1689, published by the Scottish History Society.

The baptismal name. Like other scripture designations, this was introduced at the Norman Conquest. In succeeding centuries it became the parent of several others, such as Philips, Phillips, Phillipps, Philipson, Philp, Philps, Phelp, Phelps, Phipp, Phipps, Phipson, Phippen, Phillot, Philpott, Philpotts, Philcox, Philippo, Phillopson, Filkin, Philippe, &c. It is probable, however, that some of these forms, though derived from Philip originally, have come to us in later times from continental nations.

(Greek.) A lover of horses, from φίλος and ίππος.

There resided at Norwich a distinguished family of Philippo two centuries ago, which is still represented in the city. A certain Ely Philippo had two sons, Elisha and Onias, of whom Elisha was high sheriff of the county in 1675 (Bl.).