"horse lover"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Flip
Pronunciation: [ fl-IHP ]
A breezy one-syllable name for a horse lover
American
Dutch
English
Playful
Bold
Whimsical
Modern
Minimalist
Meaning & Origin
"fond of horses"
Origin: Greek
Language: Dutch
Browse names with similar meanings:
Things to Know About This Name
- Flip can mean to turn over or be flippant, which some may find too casual for a formal name
- Associated with Flip Wilson, comedian known for controversial cross-dressing character
The Story of Flip
Flip is a diminutive of Philip (or Dutch Filippo/Filip), from the Greek Philippos meaning horse lover (philos = lover + hippos = horse). While Philip has centuries of royal and religious history, Flip emerged as a breezy American and Dutch nickname in the 20th century. In the Netherlands, Flip is still used as a standalone given name.
Flip enjoyed some popularity in mid-20th century America, partly boosted by comedian Flip Wilson (1933-1998). It remains extremely rare as a legal birth name, though it persists as a nickname for Philip in Dutch communities.
In the Netherlands, Flip is a legitimate given name used independently of Philip, reflecting Dutch traditions of using short, friendly diminutives as formal names. In American culture, Flip Wilson was the first Black performer to host a successful weekly variety show, The Flip Wilson Show (1970-74).
Fun Facts
- Philip comes from the Greek for horse lover, making it the name of equestrian enthusiasts across history
- Comedian Flip Wilson hosted the first Black-headlined variety show to become a top-rated US program in 1970
- In the Netherlands, Flip is used as a standalone name, not just a nickname
Flip in Other Languages
Dutch
Flip
French
Philippe
German
Philipp
Italian
Filippo
Spanish
Felipe
Popularity Over Time
#39,513
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Flip
F
Flip Saunders
Athlete
1955
American NBA head coach who led the Minnesota Timberwolves and other teams
F
Flip Wilson
Entertainer
1933
American comedian and actor who hosted The Flip Wilson Show, the first successful Black-led variety program
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #39,513
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- American Dutch English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
See all names like Flip →Compare Flip with...
Same Origin Names (American)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flip
What does the name Flip mean?
"horse lover" (from Greek). "fond of horses" (from Greek). Flip is a diminutive of Philip (or Dutch Filippo/Filip), from the Greek Philippos meaning horse lover (philos = lover + hippos = horse). While Philip has centuries of royal and religious history, Flip emerged as a breezy American and Dutch nickname in the 20th century. In the Netherlands, Flip is still used as a standalone given name.
What is the origin of the name Flip?
Flip has Greek, American, Dutch, and English origins. In Greek, it means "horse lover". In Greek, it means "fond of horses".
Is Flip a boy or girl name?
Flip is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Flip?
Flip is pronounced fl-IHP.
How popular is the name Flip?
Flip is currently ranked #39513 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Flip?
Popular middle name pairings include Flip James, Flip John, Flip Michael, Flip Thomas, Flip Lee, Flip Ray, and Flip Jay.
What are good sibling names for Flip?
Names that pair well with Flip as siblings include Skip, Ace, Dash, Kit, Finn, Rex, and Beau.
How many syllables does Flip have?
Flip has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Flip a common or rare name?
Flip is an uncommon name, ranked #39513 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Flip
Flip is a boy name with American, Dutch, and English origins . The name means "horse lover" in Greek .
Flip is currently ranked #39,513 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Flip has 1 syllable and is pronounced fl-IHP, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Flip include Flint . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.