Girl
Greek / Italian
2 syllables
Pippa
PIP-ah
/ˈpɪpə/
"The horse lover" — a name of spirited charm, royal dash, and irresistible English vivacity
Pippa is the Italian and English diminutive of Philippa, meaning 'lover of horses'—a name that has always felt more spirited and fun than its serious etymology might suggest. In Britain, Pippa has been used as a standalone name since at least the Victorian era, and it shot to global fame in 2011 when Pippa Middleton captivated audiences at her sister Catherine's royal wedding. The name has a bouncy, irresistible energy—short, bright, and impossible to say without a smile.
Quick Facts
Letters5
SyllablesPip · pa
GenderGirl
OriginGreek / Italian
Root WordPhilippa
MeaningLover of horses
PopularityCommon
Peak Year2012
Trend
↑ Rising
Nicknames
Pip
About the Name Pippa
Pippa means 'lover of horses,' as it is a diminutive of Philippa, the feminine form of Philip, which comes from the Greek philos (loving) and hippos (horse). While the equestrian meaning is literal, the name in practice evokes spirited energy, warmth, and a joyful, adventurous personality.
Pippa is strongly associated with Britain, where it has been used as both a nickname for Philippa and an independent name since the Victorian era. It is far more common in the UK than in North America, though it has been gaining ground in the United States since the global attention brought by Pippa Middleton in 2011.
Pippas are almost universally described as warm, sociable, and fun to be around. The name has an irrepressible energy—someone who is genuinely cheerful, quick-witted, and makes everything feel more lively. People named Pippa tend to be confident, charming, and naturally popular.
Pippa is more popular in the United Kingdom than in the United States, where it typically ranks in the top 100 in England and Wales. In the US it has been growing steadily since 2011 and now sits in the 500-600 range. Its royal-adjacent glamour and bouncy sound continue to attract new admirers.
Pippa's short, bouncy sound calls for middle names that either match its energy or provide elegant contrast. Great combinations include Pippa Rose, Pippa Mae, Pippa Grace, Pippa Wren, and Pippa Claire. For something more elaborate, Pippa Elise or Pippa Celestine give the full name a beautiful balance.
Pippa is the Italian and English diminutive of Philippa, the feminine form of the ancient Greek name Philippos (Philip). Philip derives from philos (loving, fond of) and hippos (horse), making the meaning 'lover of horses.' Pippa as a standalone name is first documented in English literary use in Robert Browning's 1841 poem Pippa Passes, and has been used as an independent name in Britain since at least the Victorian era.
Personality of Pippa
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Pippa
Creativity
82%
Elegance
80%
Independence
78%
Intelligence
78%
Strength
72%
Warmth
90%
Famous People Named Pippa
P
Pippa Middleton
British socialite, author, and sister of Catherine, Princess of Wales
P
Pippa (Robert Browning poem)
Heroine of Robert Browning's 1841 poem Pippa Passes
P
Pippa Bennett-Warner
British actress known for Peaky Blinders
P
Pippa Cross
British film and television producer
Middle Names for Pippa
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Pippa
Pippa Rose
Pippa Mae
Pippa Grace
Pippa Wren
Pippa Claire
Pippa Elise
Pippa Jean
Pippa Skye
Pippa Ann
Pippa Pearl
Pippa Fern
Pippa Belle
Names Similar to Pippa
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Pippa
1841
Robert Browning publishes Pippa Passes, introducing the name to English literary culture
1800s
Pippa is used in Britain as a familiar form of Philippa
1950s
Pippa appears regularly in British baby name records as a standalone name
2011
Pippa Middleton's role at the royal wedding sparks global interest in the name
2015
Pippa shows steady growth in US popularity following its British surge
Numerology & Symbolism of Pippa
4
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
1
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Sagittarius
3
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Chestnut
💎
Lucky Stone
Amber
🌸
Lucky Flower
Sweet Pea
Pippa Around the World
How Pippa is written in different languages and scripts
بيبا
Arabic
ピパ
Japanese
Пиппа
Russian
피파
Korean
皮帕
Chinese
Πίππα
Greek
पिपा
Hindi
פיפה
Hebrew
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