Filaret: a male name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Philáretos (Φιλάρετος),” composed of two elements: “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly) plus “aretḗ (ἀρετή)” (goodness, excellence, manliness, prowess, rank, valor, virtue, character, reputation, glory, fame, dignity, distinction)".It derives from the Greek word "phílos aretḗ > Philáretos".
In Greek tradition, Filaret holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Philáretos (Φιλάρετος),” composed of two elements: “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly) plus “aretḗ (ἀρετή)” (goodness, excellence, manliness, prowess, rank, valor, virtue, character, reputation, glory, fame, dignity, distinction). This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Greek culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Filaret
Quick facts about Filaret
Origin
Greek
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Philáretos (Φιλάρετος),” composed of two elements: “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly) plus “aretḗ (ἀρετή)” (goodness, excellence, manliness, prowess, rank, valor, virtue, character, reputation, glory, fame, dignity, distinction). In turn, the name means “lover of virtue.” Philaretos Brachamios was a distinguished Byzantine general and warlord of Armenian heritage and, for a time, was a usurper against emperor Michael VII.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
phílos aretḗ > Philáretos
Other Scripts
Russian (Филарет)
How to Pronounce Filaret
Filaret is pronounced /ˈfɪl.əˌrɛt/(Greek)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Fil-ar-et
Say it like: "FIL-AR-ET"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
Filaret is predominantly used in russian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
russian
Frequently Asked Questions About Filaret
What does the name Filaret mean?
Filaret means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Philáretos (Φιλάρετος),” composed of two elements: “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly) plus “aretḗ (ἀρετή)” (goodness, excellence, manliness, prowess, rank, valor, virtue, character, reputation, glory, fame, dignity, distinction). In turn, the name means “lover of virtue.” Philaretos Brachamios was a distinguished Byzantine general and warlord of Armenian heritage and, for a time, was a usurper against emperor Michael VII.". The name comes from phílos aretḗ > Philáretos. In its original form, the name derives from phílos (φίλος) aretḗ (ἀρετή) Philáretos (Φιλάρετος). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Filaret for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Philáretos (Φιλάρετος),” composed of two elements: “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly) plus “aretḗ (ἀρετή)” (goodness, excellence, manliness, prowess, rank, valor, virtue, character, reputation, glory, fame, dignity, distinction). In turn, the name means “lover of virtue.” Philaretos Brachamios was a distinguished Byzantine general and warlord of Armenian heritage and, for a time, was a usurper against emperor Michael VII." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Filaret's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Filaret?
Filaret is a greek name. The name traces back to phílos aretḗ > Philáretos. The original form phílos (φίλος) aretḗ (ἀρετή) Philáretos (Φιλάρετος) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Filaret is written as Russian (Филарет). The name remains closely tied to russian naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Philáretos (Φιλάρετος),” composed of two elements: “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly) plus “aretḗ (ἀρετή)” (goodness, excellence, manliness, prowess, rank, valor, virtue, character, reputation, glory, fame, dignity, distinction). In turn, the name means “lover of virtue.” Philaretos Brachamios was a distinguished Byzantine general and warlord of Armenian heritage and, for a time, was a usurper against emperor Michael VII." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Filaret a boy or girl name?
Filaret is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In greek tradition, Filaret has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Philáretos (Φιλάρετος),” composed of two elements: “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly) plus “aretḗ (ἀρετή)” (goodness, excellence, manliness, prowess, rank, valor, virtue, character, reputation, glory, fame, dignity, distinction). In turn, the name means “lover of virtue.” Philaretos Brachamios was a distinguished Byzantine general and warlord of Armenian heritage and, for a time, was a usurper against emperor Michael VII." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Filaret?
Filaret is pronounced "/ˈfɪl.əˌrɛt/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Russian (Филарет), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Filaret is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Filaret can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root phílos aretḗ > Philáretos influences how Filaret sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Filaret?
Filaret is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Filaret offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Filaret's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Philáretos (Φιλάρετος),” composed of two elements: “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly) plus “aretḗ (ἀρετή)” (goodness, excellence, manliness, prowess, rank, valor, virtue, character, reputation, glory, fame, dignity, distinction). In turn, the name means “lover of virtue.” Philaretos Brachamios was a distinguished Byzantine general and warlord of Armenian heritage and, for a time, was a usurper against emperor Michael VII." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Filaret holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Filaret commonly used?
Filaret is used primarily in russian naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Filaret found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Philáretos (Φιλάρετος),” composed of two elements: “phílos (φίλος)” (beloved, dear, loving, friendly) plus “aretḗ (ἀρετή)” (goodness, excellence, manliness, prowess, rank, valor, virtue, character, reputation, glory, fame, dignity, distinction). In turn, the name means “lover of virtue.” Philaretos Brachamios was a distinguished Byzantine general and warlord of Armenian heritage and, for a time, was a usurper against emperor Michael VII." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Filaret into their naming traditions. A child named Filaret will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Filaret is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.