Meaning & History
Felip is the Catalan form of Philip. The name traces its roots to the Greek name Φίλιππος (Philippos), which means "friend of horses" from the elements φίλος (philos) meaning "friend" and ἵππος (hippos) meaning "horse".
Historical and Royal Bearers
The original Greek form was used by five kings of Macedon, including Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. In the New Testament, Philip is the name of an apostle and of Philip the Deacon, both venerated as saints. The name spread through early Christianity and by the Middle Ages became common across Europe. It was borne by six kings of France and five kings of Spain, and while often used in medieval England, its popularity declined after the failed invasion by the Spanish king Philip II. It revived in the 19th century.
Notable Bearers named Felip
In Catalan history, notable bearers include Felip de Malla (1370–1431), a prelate, theologian, and poet; Felip Pedrell (1841–1922), a composer and musicologist; and the pharmacist Felip Comabella i Guimet (1841–1901). Contemporary figures include politician Felip Puig (born 1958), footballer Felip Ortiz (born 1977), and Indian football defender Felip Gomes (born 1978). The name also appears as a surname, as in the Italian rower Guido De Felip and Spanish footballer Álex Felip.
Cultural Significance
Felip reflects the rich onomastic tradition of Catalonia, a region with its own distinct language and culture. As a Catalan adaptation of Philip, it maintains the classical reference to horsemanship—a quality prized in ancient and medieval society—and connects modern Catalans to a shared European heritage. The name remains in use today, both as a first name and a surname.
- Meaning: "friend of horses"
- Origin: Greek via Latin and French
- Type: Given name (masculine)
- Usage: Catalan
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Felip