The namePhilemon

Philemon is a Greek biblical name of friendship.

Meaning

Philemon comes from the Greek philema, "kiss", from philos, "friend".

Origin

Greek.

History

Saint Paul's shortest letter is addressed to Philemon. In Greek myth Philemon and Baucis welcomed the gods in disguise. In the United States the name reached 2199th place in 1969.

Popularity of the name Philemon

Philemon in the United States

10136thmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
2017peak year (24 births)
915babies named Philemon in the United States since 1880
01224 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Philemon was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 142 births over the decade, 16% of all recorded babies named Philemon. Its rise began around 1916, and it peaked in 2017. Half of all babies named Philemon in the United States were born before 1985, so it is mostly a parents' generation name.

Philemon in France

3700thmost popular boys' name in France, latest official figures
2008peak year (55 births)
1,345babies named Philemon in France since 1900
02855 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Philemon was most popular in France in the 2000s, with 350 births over the decade, 26% of all recorded babies named Philemon. Half of all babies named Philemon in France were born before 2000. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 10 births a year on average, against 20 in the five years before.

How many people are named Philemon? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

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Philemon in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Philemon mean?

Philemon comes from the Greek philema, "kiss", from philos, "friend".

What is the origin of the name Philemon?

Greek.

Is Philemon a girl's or a boy's name?

Philemon is a boy's name.

How popular is the name Philemon?

In 2024, Philemon was the 10136th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 7 births.