Phillips Family Crest and Surname Origin
A short guide to the Phillips surname: its meaning, its roots in Wales, and its heraldry.
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Origin of the Phillips name
Phillips is a patronymic meaning "son of Philip", from Greek Philippos, "lover of horses". The given name was popular in medieval England because of Saint Philip the Apostle. The surname is especially common in Wales and southwest England, and widely across the United States.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Phillips name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Phillips name in Wales. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Australia and England; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Phillips family history
The researched Phillips pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Phillips coat of arms.
Phillips name FAQ
What does the Phillips name mean?
Son of Philip, "lover of horses". Common variants include Philips, Phelps, Philpott.
Where does the Phillips surname come from?
It originates in Wales, and is also found in the United States, Australia and England.
Is there a Phillips coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Phillips crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Phillips coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: Reaney & Wilson, Dictionary of English Surnames; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford); US Census Bureau 2010.