The name Philomena has its origins in the Greek language and culture. It is derived from the Greek words "philos" meaning "beloved" and "mene" meaning "moon". Consequently, the name can be interpreted as "beloved moon" or "lover of the moon".

The earliest recorded usage of the name dates back to the 3rd century AD, when it appeared in Christian texts and martyrologies. Saint Philomena was a young virgin martyr who was venerated in the Catholic Church for centuries, though her historical existence is uncertain.

In the Middle Ages, the name Philomena gained popularity among Italian and Spanish communities, likely due to the influence of the veneration of Saint Philomena. One notable bearer of the name was Philomena of Ariano, an Italian nun who lived in the 16th century and was known for her piety and mystical experiences.

The name also found its way into literature, with one of the most famous examples being the character Philomena in John Webster's 17th-century tragedy "The Duchess of Malfi". In this play, Philomena is a young and virtuous woman who becomes a victim of tragic circumstances.

During the 19th century, the name Philomena experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries. This was likely due to the influence of the novel "The Mysteries of Udolpho" by Ann Radcliffe, in which one of the characters is named Philomena.

Other notable bearers of the name Philomena throughout history include:

1. Philomena Begley (born 1940), an Irish singer and musician.
2. Philomena Lee (1933-2015), an Irish woman whose life story was depicted in the 2013 film "Philomena".
3. Philomena Lynott (born 1930), the mother of Irish musician Phil Lynott.
4. Philomena Connors (1930-2016), an Irish actress known for her work in theatre and television.
5. Philomena Fogarty (1922-2004), an Australian nun and educator.