Phillip vs Trace

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Trace

Boy #705 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"path, track, trail"

Origin: Old French via English

Cultural Roots

American English Southern American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#705
Total SSA Count
380
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Tra, Try, Trie

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Popularity Comparison

Phillip Rank #627
Trace Rank #705

Phillip is more popular, ranked #627 vs #705 for Trace.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Phillip ___

  • Phillip James
  • Phillip John
  • Phillip Thomas
  • Phillip Michael
  • Phillip Andrew

Trace ___

  • Trace Allen
  • Trace Lee
  • Trace James
  • Trace Wayne
  • Trace Michael
  • Trace Daniel

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Phillip

William Elizabeth Catherine Andrew Margaret

If you choose Trace

Colt Cade Brynn Sadie Blake

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phillip or Trace more popular?

Phillip is more popular, ranked #627 compared to Trace at #705 in the United States.

What do Phillip and Trace mean?

Phillip means "lover of horses" (Greek origin). Trace means "path, track, trail" (Old French via English origin).

Are Phillip and Trace boy or girl names?

Phillip is primarily a boy name. Trace is primarily a boy name.

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