Philomena Name Meaning & Origin
Philomena
Origin of the name Philomena:
Derived from the Greek Philomenēs (lover of strength), a name composed from the elements phelein (to love) and menos (strength). The name Philomena was borne by a young 3rd-century Italian martyr whose bones were found in the catacomb of Priscilla in Rome in 1802. A cult rose up around her in the 19th century, but 20th-century scholars decided the remains were not those of the Philomena in the inscription and technology found no evidence she was martyred. in 1961, her feast day was discontinued and her shrine dismantled.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
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- Comments and insights on the name Philomena
The name is unusual and sophisticated. Sounds like a smart girl.
- Personal experiences with the name Philomena
All Philomenas are graced with beauty and intelligence...a gift from St. Philomena!
- Nicknames for Philomena
Mila, Elena, Ella, Elle, Emily, Ellie, Mia, Mena, Mina, Pip, Pippa, Lola, Polly, Mimi, Faline, Emmy, Lena, Molly, Paloma, Pia, Philly
- Meanings and history of the name Philomena
Actually, Philomena comes from the Greek philomênê, which means "loved", it's the past participle of the verb philein, meaning "to love". The meaning "lover of strength" is often given, but is incorrect.
Also, from the Latin, it means "Daughter of the Light"
- Famous real-life people named Philomena
Philomena "Philo" Bijou Jovanovic, daughter of TV personality Daphne Oz
Imelda Mary Philomena Bernadette Staunton, OBE, English actress- Philomena in song, story & screen
The famous poem in which Henry Wadsworth Longfellow coins the term "lady with the lamp."
Saint Philomena is a patron of the sick.