Phil
Shortened from Philip, from Ancient Greek Φίλιππος (Phílippos), which see for more information.
Every Phil since 1880 — 20,108 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Phil
Phil is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #8,078 in 2025 with 10 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 20,108 American babies have been named Phil. Its peak came in 1959, when 677 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1950s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Phil stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Phil year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | 10 | #8,078 |
| 2024 | — | — | 6 | #11,985 |
| 2023 | — | — | 9 | #8,753 |
| 2022 | — | — | 8 | #9,622 |
| 2021 | — | — | 10 | #8,010 |
| 2020 | — | — | 9 | #8,562 |
| 2019 | — | — | 14 | #6,328 |
| 2018 | — | — | 13 | #6,612 |
| 2017 | — | — | 18 | #5,252 |
| 2016 | — | — | 16 | #5,727 |
| 2015 | — | — | 17 | #5,459 |
| 2014 | — | — | 12 | #6,959 |
| 2013 | — | — | 16 | #5,584 |
| 2012 | — | — | 17 | #5,434 |
| 2011 | — | — | 8 | #9,391 |
| 2010 | — | — | 8 | #9,454 |
| 2009 | — | — | 14 | #6,346 |
| 2008 | — | — | 23 | #4,358 |
| 2007 | — | — | 20 | #4,760 |
| 2006 | — | — | 18 | #5,014 |
| 2005 | — | — | 25 | #3,791 |
| 2004 | — | — | 18 | #4,737 |
| 2003 | — | — | 16 | #4,982 |
| 2002 | — | — | 21 | #4,010 |
| 2001 | — | — | 19 | #4,249 |
| 2000 | — | — | 24 | #3,506 |
| 1995 | — | — | 22 | #3,163 |
| 1990 | — | — | 39 | #1,961 |
| 1985 | — | — | 29 | #2,002 |
| 1980 | — | — | 49 | #1,353 |
| 1975 | — | — | 69 | #991 |
| 1970 | — | — | 155 | #658 |
| 1965 | — | — | 359 | #412 |
| 1960 | 5 | #7,071 | 626 | #314 |
| 1955 | — | — | 297 | #426 |
| 1950 | — | — | 359 | #357 |
| 1945 | 5 | #5,087 | 387 | #303 |
| 1940 | — | — | 354 | #297 |
| 1935 | — | — | 264 | #338 |
| 1930 | — | — | 185 | #431 |
| 1925 | — | — | 140 | #521 |
| 1920 | — | — | 130 | #537 |
| 1915 | — | — | 120 | #508 |
| 1910 | — | — | 32 | #499 |
| 1905 | — | — | 21 | #504 |
| 1900 | — | — | 22 | #508 |
| 1895 | — | — | 15 | #550 |
| 1890 | — | — | 21 | #401 |
| 1885 | — | — | 14 | #518 |
| 1880 | — | — | 12 | #556 |
Famous people named Phil
- Phil Jackson Coach · b. 1945
- Phil Spector Producer · b. 1939
- Phil Hill Racing driver · 1927–2008
- Phil Ochs Singer · 1940–1976
- Phil Knight Businessperson · b. 1938
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Phil mean?
Shortened from Philip, from Ancient Greek Φίλιππος (Phílippos), which see for more information.
How popular is the name Phil in 2025?
Phil ranked #8,078 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 10 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Phil?
20,108 babies have been named Phil in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Phil most popular?
Phil peaked in 1959, when 677 newborns received the name.
Is Phil a boy or girl name?
Phil is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Phil rising or falling?
Phil is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Phil?
Well-known people named Phil include Phil Jackson (coach), Phil Spector (producer), Phil Hill (racing driver).