Felipe is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the Germanic name "Theophilos," which translates to "lover of God." This name was popularized by several royal figures throughout history, including Felipe II (Philip II), who ruled Spain in the 16th century and was known for his involvement in the Dutch Revolt and the Anglo-Spanish War.
Felipe gained further prominence through Felipe IV, son of Felipe III, who ascended to the throne in 1621. Under his reign, Spanish art flourished with figures such as Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Zurbarán creating their masterpieces during this time period.
The name Felipe has also been used by other notable individuals throughout history. Felipe II of Burgundy played a significant role in European politics during the late Middle Ages. Additionally, Felipe III, Duke of Parma, was an Italian nobleman who served as governor of the Spanish Netherlands from 1596 until his death in 1618.
In more recent times, Prince Felipe of Spain, now King Philip VI since 2014, has kept this royal name alive. Born on January 30, 1968, he is the eldest child of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía.
The name Felipe has a significant presence in the United States, with a total of 31,324 births recorded over the years. The popularity of the name began to rise in the early 20th century, with a notable increase in the number of births between 1906 and 1918.
Between 1906 and 1918, there was an average of 47 births per year for the name Felipe. However, during the years 1917 and 1918, the popularity of the name peaked with a record-breaking number of 99 and 95 births respectively.
The popularity of the name Felipe continued to grow throughout the mid-20th century. In the 1950s, there was an average of 174 births per year for the name. The decade ended on a high note with 185 births in 1956 and 198 births in 1957.
The 1960s saw even greater popularity for the name Felipe, with an average of 233 births per year during this time. The highest recorded number of births for Felipe was in 1968 and 1969, with both years having 257 births each.
The trend continued into the 1970s, with an average of 344 births per year for Felipe throughout the decade. The popularity peaked again in 1981 with a total of 471 births. However, it is important to note that this was also around the time when the overall birth rate in the United States began to decline.
Despite the general decline in births, Felipe remained relatively popular throughout the late 20th century and into the early 21st century. The popularity of the name peaked again in the year 2000 with a total of 583 births.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the popularity of the name Felipe. Between 2019 and 2022, there was an average of just 274 births per year for Felipe. However, despite this decline in popularity, it is still a widely recognized and beloved name across generations.
Overall, these statistics show that the name Felipe has a rich history in the United States, with periods of peak popularity throughout different decades. While its popularity may have fluctuated over time, there is no denying that Felipe remains a classic and enduring name choice for parents in America.