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Philly

OriginGreek place-name
Meaning"brotherly love"
GenderBoy & girl
US rank · girlsUnranked

Below 5 births

US rank · boysUnranked

Below 5 births

About Philly

Philly is a feminine name that typically functions as a diminutive of Philippa, Philadelphia, or other Phil- names. These names derive from the Greek 'Philippos,' meaning 'lover of horses.' Philly has a playful, cheerful quality with its bouncy sound and friendly '-y' ending. While not commonly used as a formal given name, it has charm as a nickname and occasionally appears as an independent name. The name may also evoke associations with the city of Philadelphia, nicknamed 'Philly,' giving it a place-name connection. This association adds an American cultural dimension to the name. Philly's informal, approachable nature makes it feel warm and unpretentious. Despite its casual quality, the name carries the distinguished heritage of its Greek origins while maintaining a modern, friendly vibe.

Philly for boys

Philly is a masculine name that likely originated as a diminutive of Philip, derived from the Greek 'Philippos' meaning 'lover of horses.' While more commonly known as a nickname or the colloquial reference to Philadelphia, Philly occasionally appears as a given name in its own right. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its ending 'y' sound, typical of affectionate diminutives. As an independent given name, Philly remains quite rare and hasn't appeared in popular name rankings. Some may associate it with the vibrant culture of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The name's casual, amiable nature might appeal to parents seeking a name that feels warm and unpretentious while maintaining connections to the more formal classic Philip.

Pronounced FIL-ee.

As of October 2026, Philly ranked #9923 in US births in 1995 SSA.

Philly on lists

Philly in pop culture

  • Philadelphia aka "PhillyGirl

    " major Pennsylvania city

  • Philadelphia aka "Philly"Boy

    major Pennsylvanian city

  • I'm In a Philly MoodBoy

    song by Daryl Hall

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