De Filippis is an Italian patronymic surname meaning "son of Filippo", the Italian form of Philip. The name originates from the root name Philip, which derives from the Greek Φίλιππος (Philippos), meaning "friend of horses" (from φίλος meaning 'friend' and ἵππος meaning 'horse'). The prefix De in Italian surnames often indicates a patronymic or toponymic origin, similar to the French de. De Filippis is thus equivalent to surnames like Filippi or Lippi, which also stem from the given name Filippo. Distribution and Variations The surname De Filippis is most commonly found in Southern Italy, particularly in locations such as Campania, Apuglia, and Sicily. Variants include Di Filippis and Filippis. The root name Filippo has spread across Europe, leading to similar surnames in other languages: for example, the Macedonian Filipov, the Russian Filipov, the Serbian Filipović, and the English Philips. Each of these reflects the patronage of Saint Philip or King Philip in various cultures. Notable Bearers According to Wikipedia, several notable individuals share the surname De Filippis or its variant Defilippis: Maria Teresa de Filippis (1926–2016) – an Italian racing driver who was the first woman to compete in Formula One. She participated in three world championship Grands Prix in 1958–1959, driving for privateer teams. Nino Defilippis (1932–2010) – an Italian road racing cyclist who competed professionally in the 1950s and 1960s, winning multiple stages in the Giro d'Italia. Cristiana De Filippis (born 1992) – an Italian academic mathematician specializing in mean curvature flow and geometric measure theory. Daisy Cocco De Filippis (born 1949) – a Dominican-American author, educator, and president of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College. Luis De Filippis – a film director and screenwriter recognized for narratives highlighting trans and queer experiences. The surname is also borne by individuals in sports, arts, and activism, reflecting its Italian heritage. Etymology and Historical Roots The given name Philip traces back to Biblical and royal associations: it was borne by Saint Philip the Apostle in the New Testament and by five kings of Macedon, including Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. In Italy, the name became popular through the veneration of Saint Philip and the influence of Spanish rule—kings Philip II, III, and IV of Spain ruled territories that included southern Italy. By the Middle Ages, patronymic surnames like De Filippis developed to identify descendants of fathers named Filippo, functioning as markers of lineage. Unlike inherited fixed surnames, such formations often indicated literal descent, though over time they became stable family names. Origin: Italian (Southern) Meaning: Son of Filippo Type: Patronymic surname Usage Regions: Campania, Apulia, Sicily