Filippa
FEE-LEEP-PAH
Filippa is the Italian feminine form of Filippo, which derives from the ancient Greek name Philippos, composed of philos (loving) and hippos (horse), meaning lover of horses. Horses in the ancient world were symbols of nobility, speed, and power, and the name carried aristocratic connotations. Filippa has a distinctive melodic quality particular to Italian, with its doubled consonant giving it a satisfying rhythmic weight. Less common than many Italian classics, it offers the full richness of the Filippo family of names in a form that is both feminine and spirited.
At a glance
The Italian form of Philippa, Filippa carries the ancient Greek meaning of lover of horses with a distinctive doubled consonant and Mediterranean spirit, offering a chic alternative to the better-known English form.
Etymology & History
Filippa descends from the ancient Greek Philippos, a compound of philos (dear, loving) and hippos (horse). The name was borne by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, and it spread throughout the Hellenistic and then Roman worlds with great prestige. The Italian form Filippa, with its characteristic double p, developed as the feminine form in the Italian Peninsula and has been in use since at least the medieval period. The name reached Scandinavia and northern Europe through Italian Renaissance influence.
Cultural Significance
The Philippa family of names has a long aristocratic history across Europe. In England, Philippa of Hainault was the beloved queen consort of Edward III, renowned for her mercy, intelligence, and patronage of the arts. In Italy, the name Filippa has appeared in historical records since the medieval period, including the remarkable story of Filippa of Catania. Today, the name enjoys a revival in Italy and Scandinavia, where its crisp sound and distinctive spelling appeal to parents seeking classic names with an individual character. In England, the variant Pippa gained wide attention through Pippa Middleton, sister of Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Famous people named Filippa
Filippa Lagerback
Swedish television presenter and personality, well known in Italy where she has built a long career as a broadcaster and model, making the name familiar to Italian audiences.
Filippa of Catania
Fourteenth-century Sicilian woman of humble origin who became the foster mother of Queen Joan I of Naples and rose to enormous political influence at the Angevin court, one of the most remarkable social ascents of medieval Europe.
Filippa K
Swedish fashion designer Filippa Knutsson, founder of the influential Scandinavian fashion brand Filippa K, known for its minimalist aesthetic and sustainable approach to clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Filippa
Felipa
“Lover of horses”
Felipa is the Spanish feminine form of Felipe, which derives from the ancient Greek name Philippos, composed of 'philos' (loving) and 'hippos' (horse). The name entered Spanish through Latin and has been used across the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America for centuries. It carries an aristocratic undertone given the historic prominence of kings named Felipe.
Philippa
“Lover of horses”
Philippa is the feminine form of Philip, derived from the ancient Greek name Philippos, composed of 'philos', meaning lover or friend, and 'hippos', meaning horse. The horse was a symbol of noble status in ancient Greece and Rome, and a love of horses indicated a person of rank and cultivation. Philippa has a solidly British, aristocratic quality, associated with queens, noblewomen, and country estates. It is a name of considerable substance and history, and its range of nicknames, particularly the charming Pippa, gives it excellent everyday flexibility.
Philippine
“Lover of horses”
Philippine is the French feminine form of Philippe, itself from the Greek Philippos, composed of philos, meaning lover or friend, and hippos, meaning horse. Horses were symbols of nobility and high status in the ancient world, so this was a prestigious name to bear. The name carries the same root meaning as Philippa, its English equivalent, but with a distinctly French pronunciation and cultural flavour that gives it an aristocratic, continental elegance.
Phyllis
“Foliage and green branches”
Phyllis is a classical name rooted in Greek mythology, specifically the story of a Thracian princess who died of grief and was transformed into an almond tree that burst into bloom when her lover returned. The name was widely used in English pastoral literature from the Renaissance onwards and enjoyed peak popularity in the English-speaking world during the early to mid-20th century. It retains a warm, nostalgic charm and is associated with kind, dependable characters in both literature and popular culture.
Pippa
“Lover of horses”
Pippa is a diminutive of Philippa, the feminine form of Philip, which comes from the Greek Philippos, meaning lover of horses. The Greek elements are philos (loving) and hippos (horse). Whilst Pippa began as a nickname, it has long been used as a fully independent given name, particularly in Britain. It has a bright, energetic, and endearing quality that makes it feel both classic and lively. The name became especially prominent in British public life through Pippa Middleton, cementing its image as quintessentially British. Pippa has a charm that is at once playful and elegant.
Where you'll find Filippa
Filippa shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.