Surname Phillifant - Meaning and Origin
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Phillifant: What does the surname Phillifant mean?
The last name Phillifant is an English topographic surname, derived from the Old French words ‘phalang’, meaning ‘fence’ and ‘fens’, meaning ‘marsh’. As such, it is likely that those with the name originally worked or lived near areas of marsh that were enclosed with fences. Early records of the name date back to 1273 in Oxfordshire, where an entry for ‘Philip de Filletant’ can be found in the Inquisition Post Mortem of that year. This indicates a Phillip who held a property in a marshy area, enclosed by a fence.
Phillifant is also the name of a village in France, which it is possible connected to the family surname. The village also likely harks back to more agricultural roots, with local farms and agricultural businesses having been based there for centuries. Those who use the last name are likely descended from the people who inhabited and worked at the village at some stage in its history.
The Phillifant name is uncommon in the UK today, however, it is found scattered throughout England, Wales and Scotland. Those bearing the name are likely to trace their ancestry back to a small area of marshy land enclosed by a fence. It is possible also that they are descended from the people of the small French village, Phillifant.
Order DNA origin analysisPhillifant: Where does the name Phillifant come from?
The last name Phillifant is most common in the United States today. The U.S. Census Bureau in 2019 listed the surname as the 1,162nd most popular name in the country. The name is also found in England, Australia, and other parts of the English-speaking world, but most of these occurrences are from immigration from the United States.
Phillifant is an Americanized spelling of a French last name. It is thought to be related to the French phrase “fils de Philippe,” meaning son of Philippe. This indicates that the origin of the name can be traced to 16th century France. In the United States, the name is likely to be of French Huguenot origin. Huguenots were a group of French Calvinists who fled France after the Edict of Nantes was revoked in 1685.
Today, Phillifant is a rare last name. The most recent records indicate that fewer than 6,000 people in the United States carry the last name. Most of these individuals are found in the southern states. For example, Phillifant was the 439th most common name in Arkansas in 2019. In other states, the name is much less common; it was ranked the 2,411th most common name in California in 2019.
Variations of the surname Phillifant
The surname Phillifant has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. In the U.K., Phillifant is usually spelled as Philyfant, Filfilant, Philiphant, or Philliphant. Some Irish families spell it as Philifont or Filifont, though the -fant ending is often dropped from their spellings. In France, the name is spelled Philippeant or Philippeau. In Germany, the surname is usually written as Phillifent, but is also sometimes seen as Fillipant, Phillippent, or Filiphant.
The origin of the surname is sometimes attributed to the French family of Philippeo; however, Phillympant (or Fillympant) is said to be derived from the Latin phrase "Philus Lupus" meaning "The Wolf of Friendship". The Welsh family of Phillifont is likely of a Norman origin derived from the French surnames Philippeo and Philippeaux. Finally, the Welsh Ffylifant family was likely derived from a Welsh personal name meaning "wolf-like" and ultimately from the Latin phrase "Philus Lupus".
In summary, the surname Phillifant has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, including Philyfant, Filfilant, Philiphant, Philliphant, Philifont, Filifont, Philippeant, Philippeau, Phillifent, Fillipant, Phillippent, Filiphant, Phillympant, Fillympant, Phillifont, Ffylifant, and the Latin phrase "Philus Lupus". These surnames are of French, German, and Welsh origin.
Famous people with the name Phillifant
- Jai Phillifant: American actress, writer and producer.
- John Phillifant: English actor.
- Michael Phillifant: British businessman, philanthropist, and film producer.
- Angus Phillifant: UK television presenter and sports news anchor.
- Steve Phillifant: British actor.
- Mark Phillifant: American comedian and actor.
- John Leslie Phillifant: American actor, director, and production manager.
- David Phillifant: British character actor and singer.
- Amy Phillifant: American dancer and actress.
- Tom Phillifant: British actor.
- Mary Phillifant: Australian actress.
- Pete Phillifant: Professional stuntman and actor.
- Rick Phillifant: American writer and performer.
- Heather Phillifant: British actress and singer.
- Warren Phillifant: English theatre and television director.