Philippe

Name: Philippe
Origin: French and English
Meaning: Derived from the Greek name Philippos, meaning "lover of horses"
Pronunciation: fil-EE-pay (English) / fee-LEEP (French)

Overview: Philippe is a surname of French and English origin that can also be found in other places with historical connections to France. It is derived from the Greek name Philippos, which is composed of the elements "philos" meaning "lover" and "hippos" meaning "horse".

History: The surname Philippe is believed to have originated as a given name in ancient Greece and was borne by several kings and rulers throughout history. The name was popularised in Europe due to the spread of Christianity, with many saints, kings, and nobles being named Philip or a variant of the name. As a result, the surname Philippe is associated with a long and prestigious lineage.

Distribution: The surname Philippe can be found not only in France and England but also in countries with historical ties to these regions, such as Canada, Belgium, and some former French colonies. The dispersion of the name can be attributed to migration, trade, and colonialism throughout history.

Notable Bearers:

  • Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: The husband of Queen Elizabeth II, he held the title of Duke of Edinburgh until his death in 2021.
  • Philippe Le Bon: Duke of Burgundy and a key figure in the history of the Low Countries during the 15th century.
  • Marguerite-Louise d'OrlĂ©ans: Known as Madame Palatine, a French princess who was a prominent figure in the court of Louis XIV.

Variants: Variants of the surname Philippe include Philip, Phillips, Philippson, Philippot, and Filippi, among others.

References:

  • Hanks, Patrick, and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1988.
  • Reaney, Percy H., and Wilson, Richard M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 2005.

There are approximately 142 people named Philippe in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Philippe.

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