Philby

Philby is a distinguished British surname with a notable historical significance. It is predominantly associated with the infamous British intelligence officer and double agent, Harold Adrian Russell Philby, more commonly known as Kim Philby.

Kim Philby was a high-ranking member of British intelligence, serving in MI6, who infiltrated the British government on behalf of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. His betrayal severely compromised British security and intelligence operations, with far-reaching consequences. Philby's activities as a double agent were uncovered in 1963, leading to his defection to the Soviet Union, where he spent the rest of his life.

The notoriety of Kim Philby brought significant attention to the Philby surname, forever intertwining it with espionage, treachery, and betrayal. Despite this association, there are individuals with the Philby surname who are not connected to these controversial events and have made contributions in various fields.

The Philby surname, though shadowed by the actions of Kim Philby, remains a part of British historical records and continues to captivate individuals interested in the complexities of espionage and intelligence operations during the Cold War era.

There are approximately 107 people named Philby in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Philby.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • John
  • Justin
  • Mark
  • Patrick
  • Peter
  • Roger
  • Sean
  • Simon
  • Steven
  • Thomas

Female

  • Betty
  • Catherine
  • Heidi
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Joanne
  • Katie
  • Melanie
  • Natasha
  • Valerie

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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