Philippa
GirlGreek · British English: /ˈfɪ.lɪ.pə/; American English: /fɪˈlɪpə/
Philippa pairs a vivid horse-related meaning with a formal full name and the English short form Pippa.
Origin
Greek
Pronunciation
British English: /ˈfɪ.lɪ.pə/; American English: /fɪˈlɪpə/
“Friend of horses” or “lover of horses”.
Philippa is a feminine form of Philip with Greek roots and the meaning “friend of horses”. Its older name elements bring together affection and the horse, giving it a concrete image rather than an abstract virtue. The spelling keeps Ph at the start and a double p in the middle. The full form has a measured, elegant feel, while the established English short form Pippa offers a brisker, more playful option. That contrast may appeal if you like having both a formal name and an affectionate everyday form. The stress is worth noticing: a British reading is FIL-i-pə, while an American reading is fi-LIP-ə.
Etymology: Feminine form of Philip, ultimately from Greek Philippos: philos, “friend, lover”, and hippos, “horse”.
Spelling table
Code
.--. .... .. .-.. .. .--. .--. .-
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Braille
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Name popularity
Latest year: 2025
Girls
Rank2,808
Source
SSA records cover Social Security card applications, not every US birth. Names with fewer than 5 occurrences are omitted; gaps do not mean zero. Spellings are kept separate, except that SSA removes spaces and hyphens. Equal counts are ranked alphabetically. Ranks are calculated separately for boys and girls.
Origin
Greek