Philippa

What does Philippa mean?

Philippa has ancient Greek roots and belongs to the layer of names that reached us via the New Testament and the classical revival of the 19th century and translates as “Lover of horses”. Name meanings are rarely definitive; where several readings circulate we list the most common first. Treat them as origin stories rather than definitions.

Sound, length and pronunciation

It is pronounced fi-LI-pa. Ending on a vowel gives it a soft, open finish — names like this pair especially well with short, hard surnames. The hard initial sound means the name carries even in a noisy room.

With 8 letters and 3 syllables, Philippa is a longer name. That gives it resonance, but almost inevitably brings a short form with it — decide which one you like before nursery decides for you.

How popular is the name?

Philippa sits at rank 244 in the popularity tables — recognisable, but well outside the names you hear daily.

Variants and spellings of Philippa

Philippa shares a root or meaning with 3 other names. Some are pure spelling variants, others independent names from the same root.

Does Philippa suit your surname?

Check Philippa against your surname for three things: the rhythm when spoken, the initials (Anna Sophie Schmidt becomes A.S.S.) and the nickname nursery will inevitably produce.

Sibling names that go with it

Parents who go on to have a second child often want names that work together. Philippa pairs well with Nikolas, Philipp, Alexander, Theodor, Andreas.

Registry offices in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

In Germany the registry office decides whether a first name may be entered. It must be recognisable as a first name and must not harm the child's wellbeing. Austria applies comparable criteria, and in Switzerland the civil registry decides. Philippa is an established name and entirely unproblematic in all three countries.