Of Greek origin.
Means “friend of strength”.
From the combination of the Greek words “φίλος” (philos), meaning “friend” and “μένος” (menos), meaning “strength”, “purpose”, “rage”.
It was a rare name, especially in countries other than Greece, until the 19th century, following the discovery of a Roman tomb with the name “Filumena”.
It is associated with the Greek word “φιλομήνη” (philomene), meaning “loved”.
Other forms of the name are Filomena, Filumena, Philomène.
Famous bearers are Philomena Begley, Philomena Gianfrancisco, Philomena McDonagh, and Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, birth name of Moya Brennan.