Origin & Meaning of the Phillips Surname
What does the last name Phillips mean?
The surname Phillips carries the meaning "Son of Phillips." It is derived from the Greek/English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 360,802 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Phillips ranks as the #52 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Phillips come from?
The Phillips surname has its roots in English/Welsh heritage. Names of English/Welsh origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Phillips name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Phillips trace back to Greek/English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Phillips |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Phillips |
| Origin | English/Welsh |
| Language | Greek/English |
| US Rank (2010) | #52 |
| US Count (2010) | 360,802 |
| Per 100K People | 122.31 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Phillips
According to the US Census, the Phillips surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 360,802 Americans with the Phillips last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.69% |
| Black | 17.09% |
| Hispanic | 2.44% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 1.03% |
| Two or More Races | 2.17% |
Popularity of Phillips Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Phillips surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Phillips surname increased by 8,954 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Phillips Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Phillips ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Phillips Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Phillips Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Phillips
- ✓ The Phillips coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Phillips families live today
- ✓ Notable Phillips bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Phillips
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Phillips.
Other English/Welsh Surnames
Explore more surnames with English/Welsh roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English/Welsh origin as Phillips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phillips
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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