philippos

Philippos (Greek: Φίλιππος) is a masculine given name of Greek origin. The name combines the elements philos or phílos meaning “loving” or “beloved” and hippos meaning “horse,” traditionally interpreted as “lover of horses” or “friend of horses.” It has ancient usage in Greek-speaking lands and was Latinized as Philippus, with forms in other languages including Filippo, Filip, and Philippe.

In antiquity, Philippos is best known from Philip II of Macedon, king of Macedon and father of Alexander the Great; the name appears in Greek and Hellenistic contexts. The Greek form Φίλιππος is encountered in various historical texts about rulers and officials in the ancient world.

In modern times, Philippos remains common in Greece and among Greek-speaking communities. The name is typically transliterated as Philippos in English, with the modern Greek spelling Φίλιππος. It has many international equivalents, such as Philip, Philippo, Philippe, Felipe, and Filippo.

Notable bearers include Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark (born 1987), a member of the former Greek royal family, as well as other historical or literary figures bearing the name in Greek sources.

Related terms include Philippopolis, an ancient city name later changed to Plovdiv, which illustrates the classical roots of the form.