Meaning & History
Etymology
Filippos is the Modern Greek form of the name Philip, which originates from the Greek Φίλιππος (Philippos), meaning "friend of horses." This compound name is derived from the elements philos ("friend, lover") and hippos ("horse"). The name has a long and storied history, appearing in classical antiquity as the name of five kings of Macedon, including Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great.
Historical and Cultural Significance
In the New Testament, Philip (Philippos in Greek) is the name of two early Christian figures regarded as saints: one of the twelve apostles, and Philip the Deacon, an early leader in the Christian church. The name spread among Eastern Christians and later reached Western Europe by the Middle Ages, borne by six kings of France, five kings of Spain, and used widely in medieval England. Its popularity in the English-speaking world was revived in the 19th century.
As a Modern Greek form, Filippos maintains the classical Greek pronunciation and cultural heritage, connecting modern bearers to ancient and Byzantine traditions. It is commonly used in Greece and among the Greek diaspora.
Notable Bearers
- Filippos Filippou (athlete) – Cypriot distance runner
- Filippos Filippou (footballer) – Cypriot footballer
- Filippos Karvelas – Greek gymnast
- Filippos Margaritis – Greek photographer
- Filippos Pliatsikas – frontman of the Greek band Pyx Lax
- Filippos (music producer) – Greek DJ and electronic music producer
Related Names
- Feminine form: Filippa
- Biblical Greek: Philippos
- Biblical Latin: Philippus
- Swedish: Philip, Filip
- Catalan: Felip
- Corsican: Filippu
Key Facts
- Meaning: "friend of horses"
- Origin: Greek
- Type: Given name
- Usage regions: Greece
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Filippos