Last Name Filipe

The surname Filipe has multiple origins depending on different regions and countries. In Portugal, it's a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Felipe," which is the Portuguese form of Philip. This name was borne by several early Christian saints and also by two kings of Spain and Portugal. In some other contexts, such as Brazil or Africa, Filipe could have African origins, potentially stemming from a Bantu language. However, without additional information about the specific individual or family with this last name, it is impossible to determine its exact origin with certainty.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Filipe

The meaning and origin of the last name Filipe

The surname Filipe is primarily of Portuguese origin, derived from the given name Felipe, which means "lover of horses" in Greek. This name has roots dating back to the ancient Hellenistic world, where it was borne by several prominent figures, including Saint Philip the Apostle and Philip II of Macedon. The surname Filipe emerged during the Middle Ages in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Portugal, as a patronymic name, indicating that the original bearer was the son of someone named Felipe. Over time, it spread globally due to Portuguese exploration and colonization, becoming a common surname among communities with Portuguese ancestry, such as Brazil, Angola, and Goa (India). Today, Filipe remains a prevalent surname in Portugal and its former colonies, representing the historical connection between these regions and the rich cultural heritage of the Iberian Peninsula.

Geographical distribution of the last name Filipe

The surname Filipe is primarily found in Portuguese-speaking countries due to its origin from Portugal. It is among the most common surnames in Portugal and its former territories such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. In Brazil, it ranks high among the most frequent surnames. The name has also spread globally through immigration, particularly to countries with a significant Portuguese population like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Within these countries, the distribution varies, with higher concentrations in areas with larger Portuguese communities. However, due to its popularity in Portugal, it can be found throughout various regions of these countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Filipe

The surname Filipe has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common versions include Filipe, De Filipe, and Filipi. In some countries or contexts, the name may also appear as Philippe, de Filippo, or Filippini, which are French, Italian, and Italianized forms, respectively. Additionally, there might be regional variations such as Filho (Brazilian Portuguese) or MacFarlane (Scottish Gaelic). It's essential to note that these variations may have different origins, some being derived from the given name Filippo/Filip/Philip and others potentially originating from a different source entirely.

Famous people with the last name Filipe

Notable individuals bearing the surname Filipe include:

1. Filipo Tomasi da Vio (1873-1942), an Italian Catholic prelate who served as Archbishop of Taranto from 1926 until his death.

2. Filippo Inzaghi (born 1973), a retired Italian professional footballer who played as a striker, known for his time at Milan and Juventus. He won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1999.

3. Filipa Sousa (born 1980), a Portuguese sailor who competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics in women's match racing. She won a bronze medal in this event, becoming Portugal's first female Olympic medalist.

4. João Filipe (born 1974), a Portuguese footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs, including Sporting CP and FC Porto. He won the Primeira Liga three times with Porto.

5. Filipa Kramer (born 1980), a Portuguese television host, journalist, and presenter, best known for hosting the reality show "A Tua Cara Não Me É Estranha" on SIC.

Genealogical research on the last name Filipe

The surname Filipe, predominantly of Portuguese origin, is derived from the given name Felipe, which means "lover of horses" in Greek. Historically, the name was borne by various members of the Portuguese royal family and numerous saints, contributing to its popularity and spread throughout Portugal and its colonies.

In Brazil, one of the largest populations of people with the surname Filipe can be traced back to the 16th century, when many individuals with this name emigrated from Portugal to the region. Notable figures with the surname include Joaquim Manuel de Moura Filipe, a prominent Brazilian diplomat in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and Pedro Carlos Filipe, a contemporary Portuguese professional footballer who played for Sporting Lisbon.

The name has also been found in other parts of the world due to migration from Portugal and Brazil, including Angola, Mozambique, and various countries in North America and Europe. Genealogical research on the Filipe surname continues to uncover additional connections and historical details across these regions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Filipe"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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