About the name Filip / Philip
Etymology & meaning
Filip comes from the Greek Φίλιππος — "lover of horses", the name of the Macedonian kings including Alexander the Great's father. The feminine is Filipa.
History & patron saint
The apostle Philip, one of the Twelve, preached in Asia Minor. His memory on 14 November is also the last day before the Nativity Fast — folk usage calls the evening "Filipovden" and marks it as a zagovezni (shrove) night.
Traditions & customs
On Filipovden the table is laid richly "one last time" before the fast — meat and wine — and celebrants gather their nearest for dinner. Wishes are for health and a mild winter.
Popularity & notable bearers
Filip has been a steady preference for three decades — international, regal and easy to carry anywhere.