Etymograph

English

Philadelphia

Philadelphia comes from Ancient Greek Φιλάδελφος.

  1. Ancient Greekc. 800–300 BCEΦιλάδελφοςPhiládelphos
  2. Ancient Greek, derivedc. 800–300 BCEΦιλαδέλφειαPhiladélpheia
  3. Latinc. 75 BCE–200 CEPhiladelphia
  4. Englishearliest quotation 2025same form

attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed

Lineage

  1. Ancient Greekc. 800–300 BCEΦιλάδελφοςPhiládelphos
  2. Ancient Greek, derivedc. 800–300 BCEΦιλαδέλφειαPhiladélpheia
  3. Latinc. 75 BCE–200 CEPhiladelphia
  4. Englishearliest quotation 2025same form

Earliest quotation: 2025: “Philadelphia police said they were investigating. No charges were…”

The story

In reference to the city in Turkey, named for the loyal Attalus II Philadelphus of Pergamon. In reference to the city in Jordan, named for the incestuous Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt. In reference to the American city, named for the ancient towns as well as the Quaker William Penn's aim of fostering religious tolerance.

Every English word from Ancient Greek Φιλάδελφος

Today it means

name The largest city in Pennsylvania, United States, and the county seat of coterminous Philadelphia County; the former capital of the United States.

Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.

Etymograph / Ancient Greek Φιλάδελφος / Philadelphia

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