Philadelphia
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
How to pronounce the name Philadelphia
Pronunciation guide for Philadelphia
ARPA
F IH2 L AH0 D EH1 L F IY0 AH0
IPA
fɪlʌdɛlfiʌ
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Philadelphia
Syllables (5)
F IH2 L AH0 D EH1 L F IY0
AH0
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
F
fee (f)IH2
it (ɪ)L
lee (l)AH0
hut (ʌ)D
dee (d)EH1
Ed (ɛ)L
lee (l)F
fee (f)IY0
eat (i)AH0
hut (ʌ)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
fɪlʌdɛlfiʌ
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• Philadelphia has 5 syllables. Take your time with each part.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Philadelphia
Structure
Character Count
12
Syllable Count
5
Vowel Ratio
42%
Name Family
phila
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty7/10
May be challenging for some
International Friendliness7/10
Works well across languages
DNA profile of the name Philadelphia
Unique character and personality of the name Philadelphia
Name Personality
The Elegant
Elegant
Sophisticated
Formal
Key Characteristics
Length
Long
Distinctive and formal
Rhythm
Melodic
Rich and expressive
Sound
Balanced
Mix of vowels and consonants
Ease
Complex
Challenging pronunciation
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
phila
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
p×2
h×2
i×2
Most frequent letters in Philadelphia
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
5 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Challenging
7/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Very Good
7/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Philadelphia compare to the average name?
Philadelphia7/10 😬
7.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Philadelphia is harder than average by 2.0 points.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)← Philadelphia
Difficult (9–11)
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Philadelphia
Life Path Number
11
The Master Intuitive
Master number representing heightened intuition and spiritual insight.
Visionary
Intuitive
Inspirational
Spiritual
✨ This is a Master Number, indicating special spiritual significance
Most Common Letters
p×2
h×2
i×2
l×2
a×2
Sound Composition
Vowels
5(42%)
Consonants
7(58%)
Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong
Numerology Breakdown
p7
h8
i9
l3
a1
d4
e5
l3
p7
h8
i9
a1
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Philadelphia Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Philadelphia
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Philadelphia?
IPA: /fɪlʌdɛlfiʌ/ ARPA: F IH2 L AH0 D EH1 L F IY0 AH0 This name may be challenging for some to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has 5 syllables.
Is Philadelphia easy to pronounce?
Philadelphia can be challenging to pronounce. It contains sound combinations that may be unfamiliar to many people.
Is Philadelphia easy to pronounce internationally?
Philadelphia scores 7/10 for international friendliness. It's quite accessible to speakers of many different languages.
Is Philadelphia a good baby name?
Philadelphia is a classic baby name choice with a long history of use. Consider its pronunciation, popularity, and personal meaning when making your decision.
Is Philadelphia a boy or girl name?
Philadelphia can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Philadelphia?
The name is spelled P-h-i-l-a-d-e-l-p-h-i-a. This is the standard spelling of the name.
What are common nicknames for Philadelphia?
Common nicknames for Philadelphia include: Phi, Phil, Phily. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Philadelphia mean?
The name Philadelphia has various meanings depending on cultural origin. Names often carry rich cultural, historical, and linguistic significance passed down through generations. Different cultures and languages may attribute different meanings to the same name, reflecting diverse traditions and histories.
What middle names go well with Philadelphia?
Middle names that pair well with Philadelphia include: James, Rose, Grace. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Philadelphia?
Philadelphia may require some pronunciation guidance. Teachers might initially mispronounce it, but most will learn quickly with correction. Consider providing a pronunciation guide (like the phonetic spelling) for school records.
What culture is the name Philadelphia from?
Philadelphia has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Philadelphia suitable for a professional career?
Philadelphia works well professionally - it's internationally friendly for global careers. While name perception exists, professional success depends primarily on skills, work ethic, and personal qualities rather than name choice.
Is Philadelphia a long or short name?
Philadelphia is a very long name with 12 letters (5 syllables). Very long names are distinctive and often have rich cultural or family significance. They typically get shortened to nicknames for everyday use.