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Last Name Philippe

What is the origin of the last name Philippe?

The surname Philippe is of French origin and is derived from the given name Philippe, which is the French form of the name Philip. The name Philip comes from the Greek name Phillippos, which means "lover of horses" or "horse lover." The surname Philippe is commonly found in French-speaking countries and regions.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Philippe

The meaning and origin of the last name Philippe

The surname Philippe is of French origin, derived from the given name "Philippe," which in turn comes from the Greek name "Philippos," meaning "lover of horses." The name became popular in France during the medieval period, likely due to the influence of King Philip II of France. The surname Philippe was typically used as a patronymic, meaning it was passed down from father to son, indicating descent from a male ancestor named Philippe. Over time, the surname became established and passed down through generations, with variations in spelling and pronunciation. Today, the surname Philippe can be found in various French-speaking regions and among descendants of French immigrants around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Philippe

The last name Philippe is primarily found in French-speaking countries, with the highest concentration in France, Belgium, and Switzerland. In France, it is most prevalent in the regions of Île-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The name is also common in Quebec, Canada, due to the historical French influence in the region. Additionally, Philippe can be found in countries with colonial ties to France, such as Haiti, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. In the United States, the surname is less common but can still be found in areas with French immigrant populations, such as Louisiana and New England. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Philippe reflects its French origins and the global influence of French culture and migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Philippe

Philippe is a French surname that can also be spelled as Phillips, Philip, Philips, or Filip. Other variations include Filipp, Filipov, Filipovich, Filipowski, or Filipek. In some cases, it may even be spelled as Fillip or Felip. The name has roots in the Greek language, stemming from the name Philippos, meaning "lover of horses." It is a common surname in French-speaking countries, such as France, Belgium, and Canada. The variations in spelling may depend on the region, dialect, or migration patterns of the family. Despite the different spellings, the name typically retains a similar pronunciation and meaning. The versatility of the surname Philippe allows for flexibility and adaptation across different cultures and linguistic backgrounds.

Famous people with the last name Philippe

Philippe Coutinho is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for FC Barcelona and the Brazilian national team. Philippe Starck is a French designer known for his unique and eclectic style in architecture, interior design, and product design. Beloved actress and singer, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco was born Stéphanie Marie Elisabeth Grimaldi and is the youngest child of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III. French chef, Philippe Mouchel is known for his innovative approach to French cuisine and has worked in acclaimed restaurants around the world. Philippe Gagnon is a Canadian film director and screenwriter who has received critical acclaim for his work in the television and film industry. These famous individuals all share the last name Philippe and have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Philippe

The last name Philippe is of French origin and is derived from the personal name Philippe, which is the French form of the male given name Philip. The surname Philippe is a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from the given name of an ancestor. The earliest recorded instance of the Philippe surname dates back to the 13th century in the region of Lorraine, France. Over the centuries, the Philippe surname has spread to other French-speaking regions, as well as to other countries around the world through migration and immigration. Today, individuals with the Philippe surname can be found in various countries, particularly in France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States. Genealogical research on the Philippe surname can uncover a wealth of information about the family history and lineage of individuals with this surname.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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