Find out how popular the first name Filippa has been for the last 14 years (from 2010 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Filippa by gender

Based on the last 14 years of data, Filippa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Filippa.

The history of the first name Filippa

The name Filippa derives from the Latin name Philippa, which originated from the Greek name Philippos. This name translates to "lover of horses" and was composed of the Greek elements philos, meaning "lover" or "friend," and hippos, meaning "horse." The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages in various European regions, particularly in Italy, France, and England.

The earliest recorded use of the name Filippa can be traced back to the 12th century. One of the earliest notable figures with this name was Filippa of England, also known as Philippa of Hainault (1314-1369). She was the Queen consort of England as the wife of King Edward III. Her marriage to Edward III in 1328 strengthened the alliance between England and the County of Hainault, which was part of modern-day Belgium.

Another prominent historical figure bearing the name Filippa was Filippa Welser (1475-1580), a German merchant's daughter who became the mistress of Archduke Ferdinand II of Austria. Their relationship caused a scandal at the time, but they eventually married in a secret ceremony in 1557.

In the realm of literature, Filippa is the name of a character in the 16th-century Italian play "La Mandragola" by Niccolò Machiavelli. The play satirizes human greed and lust, and Filippa's character plays a pivotal role in the comedic plot.

During the Renaissance period, the name Filippa was particularly popular in Italy. One notable figure was Filippa Strozzi (1540-1620), an Italian noblewoman known for her influential role in Florentine society and her patronage of artists and writers.

In the 18th century, Filippa Campi (1760-1823) was an Italian painter from the Campi family of artists. She specialized in portrait painting and was known for her work depicting members of the nobility and clergy in Milan.

While the name Filippa has its roots in ancient languages and cultures, it has maintained a presence throughout various historical periods and geographic regions, particularly in Europe. The name's enduring popularity can be attributed to its connection to notable figures, literary works, and cultural traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Filippa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Filippa, please contact us.

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