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Philippa

Girl name · 394 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Philippa: 394 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 15 births in 1986.

A feminine form of Philip, Philippa comes from the Greek name Philippos, meaning “lover of horses.” Its most famous bearer is perhaps Philippa of Hainault, the 14th-century queen consort of Edward III of Scotland—no, of England—who was beloved for her compassion and political influence. More recently, the name belongs to English author Philippa Gregory, whose historical novels like *The Other Boleyn Girl* brought Tudor history to a wide audience. The island of Saint Helena is said to derive its name from a different Greek root, but the Philippine Islands share the same Philip root. Parents often love Philippa for its classic elegance, and the friendly nicknames Pippa or Pip make it feel approachable for modern Scottish families.