Find out how popular the first name Philina has been for the last 31 years (from 1977 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Philina by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Philina is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Philina.

The history of the first name Philina

The name Philina has its origins in ancient Greece, derived from the Greek word "philos," meaning love or affection. It is believed to have first emerged during the classical period, around the 5th century BC.

Philina was a relatively uncommon name in ancient Greece but held significance as a feminine form of the male name Philinos. It was sometimes bestowed upon girls born into families with strong ties to philosophical or literary circles, where the concept of love and affection for knowledge was highly valued.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Philina can be found in the works of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who mentioned a woman by that name in his famous work "The Histories." However, the details surrounding this individual are scarce, and little is known about her life or significance.

In the subsequent centuries, the name appears to have fallen into relative obscurity, with few notable figures bearing it. It was not until the Renaissance period that Philina resurfaced, this time in the literary works of Italian playwright and poet Giambattista Guarini.

In his influential pastoral tragicomedy "Il Pastor Fido" (The Faithful Shepherd), published in 1590, one of the main characters is named Philina. This work played a significant role in reviving interest in the name and introducing it to a wider European audience.

Another notable figure named Philina was a German soprano and actress who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Philina Charlotta Brand (1766-1841) was a celebrated performer in the court of the Duke of Saxe-Weimar and is mentioned in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's novel "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship."

Moving forward in history, Philina Sergeyevna Stroganova (1838-1923) was a Russian noblewoman and philanthropist who played a significant role in the cultural and social life of St. Petersburg during the late 19th century. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her support for various charitable causes.

In the realm of literature, Philina Fendrich (1879-1960) was a German writer and poet who gained recognition for her works exploring themes of love, nature, and spirituality. Her poetry collections, such as "Gedichte" (Poems) and "Der Garten der Seele" (The Garden of the Soul), were widely acclaimed in her time.

While the name Philina has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it has continued to resurface in various cultural contexts, each time carrying the essence of its ancient Greek origins – a love and affection for knowledge, art, and the pursuit of higher ideals.

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 Philina was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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