Phillips

Greek
"lover of horses"

Phillips Origin and Meaning

The name Phillips is a boy's name.

Phillips originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Philip' and has transitioned into occasional use as a masculine given name. The name Philip itself comes from Greek elements meaning 'lover of horses.' As a first name, Phillips maintains its connection to this heritage while having a distinctive surname feel that follows the trend of using family names as first names. While not among the most common given names, Phillips has a formal, distinguished quality that appeals to some parents. It offers the friendly nickname options of Phil or Flip, providing versatility. The name connotes stability, tradition, and a certain professional quality that can serve well throughout life.

Famous People Named Phillips

  • Phillips Brooks
    poet (1835,1893)
  • Phillip Phillips
    American singer and winner of "American Idol" season 11
  • Melba Phillips
    American physicist and science educator
  • William Daniel Phillips
    American physicist and Nobel prize winner

The name Phillips in Pop Culture

  • [Dr.] Phillips
    character in short story "The Black Mamba" by author Liam Holt

The name Phillips in Nameberry Blog Posts