The name Philip has been in use since ancient Greece, where it was borne by several notable figures, including Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. The name was later adopted by the Romans, and it has remained in use throughout Europe ever since.
In the English-speaking world, Philip is a popular given name, and it has been borne by several famous people, including Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II; Philip Larkin, the English poet; and Philip Seymour Hoffman, the American actor.
Philip is also a common surname, and it is derived from the given name. The surname Philip is most common in France, England, and the United States.