Phipps

Meaning and origin

The last name Phipps is of English origin and is derived from the medieval personal name Philip, which itself comes from the Greek name Philippos, meaning "friend of horses." The surname Phipps indicates a patronymic origin, suggesting that it was originally used to identify individuals as "son of Philip." Over time, variations of the surname emerged, such as Phips, Phippes, and Phippard.

The longer story

The last name Phipps is of English origin and is classified as a patronymic surname, meaning it originated from the personal name of the father or an ancestor. It is derived from the given name Philip, which itself comes from the Greek name Philippos, meaning "lover of horses."

Historically, the surname Phipps has been recorded in various forms, such as Pipp, Pebus, Phipp, Pypp, and Phips. The spelling variations were common during different time periods and can be attributed to factors like regional accents, illiteracy, and the inconsistent way names were recorded in official documents.

Early records indicate that the Phipps surname was particularly prevalent in the counties of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire in England. It is believed that the name originated in these areas and then spread to other parts of the country over time.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.