Philippa is a feminine given name meaning "lover of horses" or "horses' friend". Common alternative spellings include Filippa and Phillipa. Less common is Filipa and even Philippe (cf. the French spelling of Philippa of Guelders: Philippe de Gueldres). It is the feminine form of the masculine name Philip. It is composed of the Greek elements philein (to love) and hippos (horse), and is derived from the name of Alexander the Great's father, the ancient Greek king, Philip II of Macedon (aka Philippos, Filippos, and Pilipos), who was an avid horse lover. The name is commonly shortened to the nicknames Pippa, Pippy, Pippita, Pipka, Pippulina, and Pip. Notable people with the name Philippa include: