Archippe

Etymology

Archippe is the feminine form of Archippos, a masculine name meaning "master of horses" from Greek elements ἀρχός (archos) "master" and ἵππος (hippos) "horse". In the New Testament, the Latinized form Archippus appears as a man mentioned in the epistles of Paul.

Notable Bearer

The best-known historical bearer of the name is Archippe (circa 410–361 BC), an ancient Athenian businesswoman. Married to the wealthy banker and merchant Pasion, she was intimately involved in his banking operations, described by scholars as thoroughly conversant with the business and possessing detailed knowledge of the bank's records. After Pasion's death in 370 BC, Archippe married his former slave and business associate Phormion to keep the bank within the family, and reportedly destroyed some bank records to protect Phormion and the business. She is one of the few women known to have played a significant role in commerce in Classical Athens.

Cultural Significance

As a feminine derivative of a Greek compound name, Archippe reflects the broader Greek tradition of forming female names from masculine equivalents, often with the same or a closely related meaning. The name's rarity highlights the limited historical visibility of women in public life, making Archippe's documented career particularly notable.

• Meaning: Feminine form of Archippos, "master of horses"
• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Type: Female given name (feminine form of a masculine name)
• Usage regions: Ancient Greece