Filippa
Pronounced: fi-LIP-ah
Meaning: Lover Of Horses
Gender: Girl
Origin: Greek
Language: Swedish (Scandinavian)
What does Filippa mean?
Filippa is the feminine form of a name that comes from the Greek word Philippos, which literally means lover of horses. In that original sense the name links to horses and to the idea of someone fond of or associated with them.
The tone of Filippa is classic and slightly romantic, with a poised, elegant feel. It carries the friendly, approachable energy of shorter pet forms such as Pippa, yet keeps a formal, graceful presence for professional or adult use. Filippa sits neatly between vintage charm and modern clarity.
❤️ Why Parents Choose This Name
- It has classical roots with a clear, memorable meaning.
- Offers both a formal full name and friendly nicknames such as Pippa and Pip.
- Feels elegant and timeless without sounding old fashioned.
- Works well across many languages in Europe, especially in Scandinavian and Italian contexts.
- Pairs easily with traditional and modern middle names.
- Conveys a refined but warm image for a child and an adult.
Historical Context
The name Filippa developed as the feminine counterpart to the male name Philip, itself from Greek Philippos, combining philein, to love, and hippos, horse. Philip became widespread through ancient Greek history and later through Christian Europe, thanks in part to royal and noble use of the male form.
The feminine forms, like Philippa and Filippa, emerged in medieval and postmedieval Europe as families adapted the male name for daughters. Different spellings appeared in different regions, with double p forms common in Scandinavian use and single p forms seen in Portuguese and some Romance languages. The name has kept a steady, if not dominant, presence: it feels historical and established, but familiar and fresh when chosen today.
Original Form
Variants of Filippa
Masculine form
International Variants
Great Middle Names for Filippa
Choose a classic, short middle name to balance Filippa's rhythmic three syllables.
- Filippa Anne
- Filippa Beatrice
- Filippa Claire
- Filippa Elise
- Filippa Jane
- Filippa Maria
- Filippa Rose
- Filippa Sophia
Sibling names that go well with Filippa
Pair Filippa with names that share a classic, slightly vintage elegance or a clean modern simplicity.
Popularity of Filippa over time
What do parents think of Filippa?
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