 The name "Philoclean" derives from the Ancient Greek for “lover of glory” from "Φιλειν" meaning "to love," and "κλεος", meaning “glory.” 

The Philoclean Society is one of many literary societies that flourished at the nation's early colonial colleges.Before fraternities, publications, and other extracurricular activities became common, these groups—which generally bore Greek or Latin names—were the sole source of undergraduate social life.Indeed, it was not unusual for two or more groups to coexist at one institution, often in competition.