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Phillipa

Girl name · 8 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Phillipa: 8 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 1988.

Phi·li·pa feels like the poised, slightly more elaborate sister of the evergreen Philippa. A Latinate feminine form of Philip, it ultimately stems from the Greek *Philippos*, meaning “lover of horses,” a compound of *philein* (to love) and *hippos* (horse). This regal choice saw notable bearers like Queen Philippa of Hainault, the beloved 14th-century consort of Edward III, who was admired for her diplomacy and compassion. The name also glimmers in literary circles via the resourceful young detective Flavia de Luce, whose full name is Flavia Sabina *Phillipa* de Luce in Alan Bradley’s beloved series. While the spelling *Philippa* is more common in Scotland, the streamlined *Phillipa* offers a refreshingly crisp alternative that retains all the name’s historical warmth and equestrian charm.