Philomena
Philomena is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Lover of strength or powerful love.
Origin and history
Philomena is a classical name of Greek origin that traditionally translates to 'lover of strength' or 'beloved.' It has long historical roots in Europe and saw steady use in the early 20th century in the United States. Today, it remains a traditional, distinctively vintage choice that is relatively rare.
Popularity in the United States
9,951 babies in the United States have been named Philomena since 1880. It ranks #1650 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1565.
States where it is most popular
- NY (32.7 %)
- PA (28.5 %)
- NJ (12.5 %)
- MA (7.6 %)
- CT (6.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 140 |
| 1890-1900 | 296 |
| 1900-1910 | 613 |
| 1910-1920 | 2,071 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,711 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,070 |
| 1940-1950 | 547 |
| 1950-1960 | 534 |
| 1960-1970 | 239 |
| 1970-1980 | 115 |
| 1980-1990 | 72 |
| 1990-2000 | 122 |
| 2000-2010 | 218 |
| 2010-2019 | 665 |
| 2020-2029 | 538 |
Famous people named Philomena
- Philomena Begley: Singer
- Philomena Cunk: Fictional Character
Nicknames
Mina, Pippa, Phyllis
Fun facts
- The name is derived from the Greek elements 'philos' (loving or friend) and 'menos' (mind, strength, or courage).
- Relics discovered in the Catacombs of Priscilla in 1802 sparked widespread veneration of Saint Philomena in the 19th century.