Phila

This name derives from the Ancient Greek name “Phílippos (Φῐ́λῐππος),” composed of two elements: “philéō ‎(φιλέω)” (love, like, kindly, welcome) plus “híppos ‎(ῐ̔́ππος)” (horse, cavalry, horseman). In turn, the name means “horse-loving, fond of horses.” In Ancient Greece, the ownership of horses was available only to those rich enough to afford them. Thus, “lover of horses” can also be considered as “noble.” Prominent Philips, who popularized the name includes Kings of Macedon “Philippos” and one of the apostles of early Christianity. The name was also an epithet of Alexander the Great. It should be noted for clarity; the word “horse” is frequently found in ancient Greek names (for example, Hipparchus, Hippocrates, Hippolytus, and Xanthippe).