PHIL

Phil is a masculine given name, usually a shortened form of Philip, though it is frequently used as a given name in its own right. The name Philip derives from the Greek Philippos, from philein “to love” or philos “loving” and hippos “horse,” and is commonly interpreted as “lover of horses” or “friend of horses.”

As a stand-alone name, Phil has been common in English-speaking countries since the early 20th century and is used by many people who are formally named Philip but prefer the shorter form. It is also found as a given name in its own right in other regions. Spelling variants include Philippe (French), Felipe/Filip (Spanish/Portuguese/Slavic), and Filippo (Italian).

Notable people named Phil span fields such as music, sports, entertainment, and politics. Examples include Phil Collins, English musician and singer; Phil Jackson, American basketball coach; Phil Mickelson, American golfer; Phil Spector, American record producer; Phil Hartman, Canadian-American actor and comedian; Phil Anselmo, American metal musician; Phil Keoghan, television host; Phil Esposito, Canadian-American ice hockey player.

Fictional or cultural uses include Phil Connors, the weatherman in Groundhog Day; Phil Dunphy in the television series Modern Family; and several other characters who go by Phil in film and TV. See also the related given name Philip for broader history and notable bearers.