Philippa is a Latinate feminine form of Philip. As an English name, it is chiefly British and came into common use in the Anglosphere in the 1800s.EtymologyThe name derives from the Greek name Φίλιππος (Philippos), which means "friend of horses" (from philos "friend, lover" and hippos "horse"). Historically, the masculine Philip was used as a vernacular form for both sexes in medieval England, but in church records, women were often recorded by the Latinate spelling Philippa.History and UsageThe name Philippa was borne by several medieval noblewomen, including Philippa of Hainault, queen consort of Edward III of England, and her granddaughter Philippa, 5th Countess of Ulster (1355–1382). The name later declined in use but was revived in the 19th century. Today, it is especially common in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Common short forms include Pip and Pippa; the latter gained prominence through Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge's sister, Pippa Middleton.Notable BearersPhilippa Gregory (born 1954), English historical novelistPhilippa of Lancaster (1360–1415), Queen of PortugalPhilippa Foot (1920–2010), British philosopherVariantsAlternate spellings include Philipa and Phillipa. Across languages, the name appears as Filippa (Swedish, Italian, Danish), Philippine (French), Filipina (Polish), Filipa (Portuguese, Czech, Slovak), and Felipa (Spanish). German also has the diminutive Philippina.Meaning: "friend of horses"Origin: Greek, via LatinType: Feminine given nameRegions: English-speaking world (especially UK), also used in German-speaking countries