How common is the Philips surname?

There are approximately 100,000 people with the surname Philips in the United States.

Are there Philips soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1,866 soldiers with the Philips surname appear in Civil War records.

Philips

Q: What does the surname Philips mean?

The surname Philips means "Derived from the personal name Philip, meaning 'lover of horses' from Greek elements.". It is of English, Dutch origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Derived from the personal name Philip, meaning 'lover of horses' from Greek elements.

Etymology

Philips is a patronymic surname formed from the given name Philip, derived from Greek 'philos' (lover) and 'hippos' (horse). The -s ending indicates descent from a man named Philip.

About the Philips Surname

Philips is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Philip. The name is common in English and Dutch-speaking regions.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 100,000 bearers in the United States #391 most common surname

Rare Common

Found throughout England, the Netherlands, and English-speaking countries worldwide.

Philips Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Philips Surname

John Finis Philips

Hon.

Quick Facts

Origin: English, Dutch
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: Medieval period
Estimated Bearers: 100,000

War Records

1,866 soldiers with the Philips surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →