Pippa

Girl Name #2,469 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A bright English classic with royal connections

English Italian British

Playful Classic Whimsical Elegant

Meaning & Origin

"lover of horses"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

"diminutive of Philippa/Filippa"

Origin: Italian

Language: Italian

The Story of Pippa

Pippa is an Italian and English diminutive of Philippa, which comes from the Greek 'Philippos' — a compound of 'philos' (lover, friend) and 'hippos' (horse). The name literally means 'lover of horses,' the same root as Philip. In Italy, Pippa developed as an affectionate nickname for Filippa, while in Britain it was popularized as a standalone name with a bright, energetic feel.

Pippa Middleton's appearance as maid of honor at the 2011 royal wedding of her sister Kate to Prince William brought extraordinary global attention to the name. Her elegant white dress became one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the decade, and the name Pippa shot up in popularity charts in the UK and US in the years that followed.

In Britain, Pippa has a long tradition as a cheerful, aristocratic nickname with literary roots — Charles Dickens used the name Pip (male form) in 'Great Expectations.' The name carries associations of privilege, warmth, and unpretentiousness that make it beloved in British naming culture.

Fun Facts

Pippa Middleton's 2011 royal wedding appearance prompted a global spike in the name's popularity
In Italy, 'pippa' is a slang term, which limits its use there despite the English name's popularity
Robert Browning's 1841 poem 'Pippa Passes' features a young Italian girl named Pippa whose singing changes lives around her

Pippa in Other Languages

Greek Φίλιππα

French Philippine/Pippa

German Philippa

Italian Pippa/Filippa

Spanish Filipa/Pippa

Famous People Named Pippa

Pippa Middleton

Other

1983

British socialite, author, and sister of Catherine, Princess of Wales; her 2011 royal wedding appearance made internatio...

British socialite, author, and sister of Catherine, Princess of Wales; her 2011 royal wedding appearance made international headlines

Pippa Fictional

Other

Heroine of Robert Browning's 1841 dramatic poem 'Pippa Passes,' a silk-weaver girl whose songs unknowingly influence tho...

Heroine of Robert Browning's 1841 dramatic poem 'Pippa Passes,' a silk-weaver girl whose songs unknowingly influence those around her

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,469
Total SSA Count: 73
Cultural Origins: English Italian British
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Pip

Pairs Well With

Pippa Rose Pippa Jane Pippa Grace Pippa Kate Pippa Eleanor Pippa Louise Pippa Anne

Sibling Names

James Henry George Charlotte Imogen Cecily Toby

Similar Names

Winnie Jenny Lennie Poppy Henny Poppi Denym

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pippa

What does the name Pippa mean?

"lover of horses" (from Greek). "diminutive of Philippa/Filippa" (from Italian). Pippa is an Italian and English diminutive of Philippa, which comes from the Greek 'Philippos' — a compound of 'philos' (lover, friend) and 'hippos' (horse). The name literally means 'lover of horses,' the same root as Philip. In Italy, Pippa developed as an affectionate nickname for Filippa, while in Britain it was popularized as a standalone name with a bright, energetic feel.

What is the origin of the name Pippa?

Pippa has Greek, Italian, English, and British origins. In Greek, it means "lover of horses". In Italian, it means "diminutive of Philippa/Filippa".

Is Pippa a boy or girl name?

Pippa is primarily used as a girl name.

How popular is the name Pippa?

Pippa is currently ranked #2469 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Pippa?

Common nicknames for Pippa include Pip.

What are good middle names for Pippa?

Popular middle name pairings include Pippa Rose, Pippa Jane, Pippa Grace, Pippa Kate, Pippa Eleanor, Pippa Louise, and Pippa Anne.

What are good sibling names for Pippa?

Names that pair well with Pippa as siblings include James, Henry, George, Charlotte, Imogen, Cecily, and Toby.

How many syllables does Pippa have?

Pippa has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Pippa a common or rare name?

Pippa is an uncommon name, ranked #2469 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Pippa

Pippa is a girl name with English, Italian, and British origins . The name means "lover of horses" in Greek .

Pippa is currently ranked #2,469 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Pippa has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Pippa include Pip. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.