Pippa Name Meaning & Historical Trends

Pippa

Pronunciation: PIP-uh

Meaning Lover of horses Gender Girl
GIRLS RANK
#1,864
TREND
611

Rank shows the name’s position among U.S. baby names for each gender in 2025. Trend shows how many places it rose or fell since 2024. Rank 1 is the most popular. Based on U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) data. Peak and lowest years are based on the number of girls named Pippa in the available records.

Fun Facts About the Name Pippa

  • More than 1 thousand babies named Pippa: U.S. records list 1,701 babies given the name Pippa from 1880 through 2025.

What Does the Name Pippa Mean?

Pippa is an English diminutive of Philippa, the feminine form of Philip. The ultimate source is the Greek name Philippos, formed from philos, "loving" or "dear," and hippos, "horse." Its literal sense is "lover of horses" or "horse lover," a meaning carried over from Philip and Philippa rather than one created by the short form Pippa.

Because Pippa is a pet form, it has no separate root or independent etymology in English. The initial P- and the doubled pp belong to the nickname's sound, not to a different Greek word. In Italian, Pippa is likewise a feminine diminutive of Filippa, the Italian form of Philippa, so the same Greek etymology lies behind it.

Pippa Name History & Origins

Philippa entered medieval Europe as the feminine counterpart of Philip. The name was used by noble families, and in England it is closely associated with Queen Philippa of Hainault, wife of King Edward III in the 14th century. From Philippa, English speakers formed the short pet form Pippa. Pet forms of this kind were common in family and familiar use before they became independent given names.

Pippa is also the title character of Robert Browning's verse drama Pippa Passes (1841), set in Asolo, Italy. That literary use is a well-known association, but the name itself is a diminutive of Philippa rather than a creation of the poem. In Italy, Pippa is a diminutive of Filippa, and in English-speaking countries it is also used as a given name in its own right.

How Popular is the Name Pippa?

Pippa has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2014. Its best rank was #1,741 in 2014.

U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.

Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.

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How the Name Pippa Shapes Your Personality and Life?

You have a power of expression, either in speaking or writing. You are in favor for studying and research. You are clever, clear-sighted and intellectual. You don't like to let others know your true feelings. You might be atheistic or agnostic. You are intuitive and might be interested in the arts, drama or science.

Dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded, you are always looking for meaningful work, a career where you can take pride in your work and do the best job you are capable of. Your prime desire is to build protected and secure environment at home and at work. You can be very persuasive in achieving goals and gaining objectives. You can be very detailed and well-organized and possess great organizational skills. At times you may appear too stubborn and overly critical to others, but your practical approach to life and productivity makes you one of the most beneficent members of community.

✦ Pippa's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Pippa's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.
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