Filat / Philip / Filipp / Philippe

Filat is a name with Greek roots, derived from the element 'philos' (φίλος) meaning 'friend' or 'lover', and 'hippos' (ἵππος) meaning 'horse'. It is a variant of the more common name Philip. The name Philip has a long and distinguished history, being borne by several kings of Macedon, most notably Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. It spread throughout the Hellenistic world and later into the Roman Empire.

While Philip became widely popular in Western Europe, the form Filat is more commonly found in Eastern European countries, particularly Russia and Ukraine, where it has been adopted as a given name. Its usage in these regions often reflects the influence of Orthodox Christianity, as Saint Philip was one of the twelve apostles.