Surname Phillippo - Meaning and Origin
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Phillippo: What does the surname Phillippo mean?
The last name Phillippo is of Greek origin and is a variant of the name Philip. It is derived from the Greek name Philippos, which is composed of two elements: ‘Philein,’ meaning ‘to love,’ and ‘Hippos,' meaning ‘horse.’ Hence, the name is often interpreted as 'lover of horses' or 'friend of horses.' This name was borne by several early Christian saints and was common among medieval royalty. As Phillippo, it likely evolved as a patronymic or descriptive surname to denote 'descendant of Philip' or to identify individuals who had a strong connection or affinity for horses. Over time, regional variations of the name, including Phillippo, developed due to factors like migration and linguistic influences. Like many surnames, tracing its precise origins can be challenging because of variations in spelling and records over the centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisPhillippo: Where does the name Phillippo come from?
The surname Phillippo is believed to originate from the Greek name Philippos, meaning "a lover of horses". It was popularized in Europe through historical figures like Philip of Macedon and his son, Alexander the Great. The name became common in the Christian world due to Saint Philip, an apostle in the New Testament.
In England, the surname Phillippo emerged in the medieval period and it was introduced by the Normans after the 1066 conquest. The English form Philipp was derived from the Old French Philip or Filip. Over time, the name evolved into numerous variants, including Phillippo.
Today, the surname Phillippo is relatively rare. It can be found in several countries but it isn't particularly common in any of them. England still has a number of individuals with this surname and, British colonies like Jamaica also have a significant number of people with this surname, largely due to historic migration patterns. Some of them are descendants of James Phillippo, a British Baptist missionary who settled in Jamaica in the 19th century and contributed to the abolition of slavery. The surname can also be found, albeit less commonly, in other parts of Europe, North America, and Australia.
Variations of the surname Phillippo
The surname Phillippo has several possible variants and spellings based on its root words, cultural adaptations, and misinterpretations over time. Variants could include Felipo, Philipo, and Philippi. Other similar surnames could include Philippe, Phillip, Phillips, and Phillipson.
The surname has its origins in the Greek personal name "Philippos" which means "fond of horses". It was popular in medieval Europe due to several Christian saints and a famous Macedonian king bearing this name. The name was further Anglicized during the Middle Ages, giving rise to surnames like Phillip, Phillipson, and Phillippo, particularly in England and later in America.
However, it's important to note that surname variants can also appear due to regional dialects and accents, where letters might be added or removed, or through clerical errors in record-keeping.
Please note that the information of family names can vary and change over time, so genealogical and historical research may uncover more variants and spellings of the surname Phillippo.
Famous people with the name Phillippo
- David Phillippo: A Baptist missionary who lived in the 19th century and was known for his work in Jamaica.
- James Phillippo: Also a Baptist missionary in Jamaica in the 19th century who authored three books on his experiences.
- Ryan Phillippo: An American film director, writer, and producer known for his work in the drama film "Every Hidden Thing".
- Barta Phillippo: An actress known for her role in the film "The Bread, My Sweet".
- Sue Phillippo: A member of the Democratic Party who is known for her political work in the U.S. state of Oregon.
- Sara Phillippo also known as Sara Rotter: An American rower who competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics. These are some of the notable individuals with the surname Phillippo. However, it's important to note while the last name Phillippo may sound uncommon, it may be more frequent in certain areas of the world, particularly in England and the United States. Information about lesser-known figures with the Phillippo surname may not be as readily available online.