Phoebe: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, and More

Fact: The name Phoebe is also a genus of plants in the Lauraceae family, known for their aromatic properties.

Phoebe Overview

Meaning

Bright, pure, radiant

Gender

Girl

Origin

Greek

Etymology

Derived from the Greek name “Phoibē,” meaning “bright” or “pure.”

Pronunciation

/ˈfiːbi/

Popularity

Phoebe is cherished in the UK, Australia, and the USA. In 2023, Phoebe ranked #249 for girls in the USA.

Syllable

1 syllable

Length

6 letters

Numerology

33 (Nurturing, Spiritual, Expressive, Altruistic)

Name Styles

Mythological, Classic, Cool, Cute

Associated Traits

Bright, pure, radiant

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Often associated with Greek mythology, where Phoebe is a Titaness, and also with the New Testament, where Phoebe is a deaconess.

Name Day

September 3 (Greece)

Phoebe Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Phoebia, Phebe, Phoebo, Phobie, Phoebina

Common Nicknames

Ebbie, Feebee, Feebo, Phoe, Fibi, Pheebs

Diminutives

Phee, Bee, Phoebs, Bebe, Feebs, Fifi

Famous People

Phoebe Waller-Bridge
(British Actress and Writer)
Phoebe Tonkin
(Australian Actress)
Phoebe Cates
(American Actress)
Phoebe Snow
(American Singer-Songwriter)
Phoebe Cary
(American Poet)
Phoebe Hearst
(American Philanthropist)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

Phoebe Buffay
("Friends," TV Series)
"Phoebe in Wonderland"
(Film)
Phoebe Halliwell
("Charmed," TV Series)
Phoebe Heyerdahl
("Hey Arnold!," TV Series)
Phoebe Cates
("Gremlins," Film)
"Phoebe and Her Unicorn"
(Graphic Novel Series)

Places

Phoebe Pond
(New Hampshire, USA)
Phoebe Lake
(Ontario, Canada)
Phoebe Street
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Phoebe's Garden
(London, England)
Phoebe School
(Illinois, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Phoebe?

Phoebe traces back to the Greek name “Phoibos,” with “phoibos” meaning bright or pure. This name has come to symbolize clarity and wisdom, often associated with individuals who radiate intelligence and a sense of inner light.

What Is the Origin of The Name Phoebe?

The name Phoebe has ancient Greek origins, derived from the Greek word “phoibos,” meaning “bright” or “shining.” It was a name associated with the moon goddess Artemis in Greek mythology, pointing to its connection to light and purity.

Phoebe Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Phoebe in the U.S. over the Years

United States	#2472021	#2132022	#1912023
Top 3 Rankings	#1912023	#2132022	#2151880

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Phoebe

Year	Name Ranking	Number of Births	Birth Rate (%)
2023	191 (+22 from 2022)	1580 (+199 from 2022)	0.09033
2022	213 (+34 from 2021)	1381 (+141 from 2021)	0.07702
2021	247 (+6 from 2020)	1240 (+60 from 2020)	0.06921
2020	253 (+37 from 2019)	1180 (+31 from 2019)	0.06675
2019	290 (+30 from 2018)	1149 (+124 from 2018)	0.06262
2018	320 (-2 from 2017)	1025 (+4 from 2017)	0.05512
2017	318 (-4 from 2016)	1021 (-13 from 2016)	0.05405
2016	314 (-26 from 2015)	1034 (-84 from 2015)	0.05341
2015	288 (+8 from 2014)	1118 (+14 from 2014)	0.05731
2014	296 (+5 from 2013)	1104 (+39 from 2013)	0.05643
2013	301 No change from 2012	1065 (+5 from 2012)	0.05525
2012	301 (+9 from 2011)	1060 (+37 from 2011)	0.05465
2011	310 (-2 from 2010)	1023 (-17 from 2010)	0.05279
2010	308 (+13 from 2009)	1040 (+22 from 2009)	0.05304
2009	321 (+27 from 2008)	1018 (+59 from 2008)	0.05027
2008	348 (-11 from 2007)	959 (-29 from 2007)	0.04604
2007	337 (+27 from 2006)	988 (+98 from 2006)	0.04668
2006	364 (+61 from 2005)	890 (+160 from 2005)	0.04257
2005	425 (-20 from 2004)	730 (-22 from 2004)	0.03597
2004	405 (+31 from 2003)	752 (+63 from 2003)	0.03727
2003	436 No change from 2002	689 (+24 from 2002)	0.03434
2002	436 (-47 from 2001)	665 (-87 from 2001)	0.03367
2001	389 (+50 from 2000)	752 (+110 from 2000)	0.03796
2000	439 (+54 from 1999)	642 (+115 from 1999)	0.03217
1999	493 (+110 from 1998)	527 (+129 from 1998)	0.02707
1998	603 (-45 from 1997)	398 (-21 from 1997)	0.02053
1997	558 (-16 from 1996)	419 (-12 from 1996)	0.02195
1996	542 (+36 from 1995)	431 (+34 from 1995)	0.02248
1995	578 (+232 from 1994)	397 (+149 from 1994)	0.02066
1994	810 (+85 from 1993)	248 (+33 from 1993)	0.01272
1993	895 (+84 from 1992)	215 (+20 from 1992)	0.01091
1992	979 (-122 from 1991)	195 (-39 from 1991)	0.00973
1991	857 (+12 from 1990)	234 (+9 from 1990)	0.01151
1990	869 (+73 from 1989)	225 (+36 from 1989)	0.01095
1989	942 (+287 from 1988)	189 (+68 from 1988)	0.00949
1988	1229 (+50 from 1987)	121 (+12 from 1987)	0.00629
1987	1279 (-199 from 1986)	109 (-30 from 1986)	0.00582
1986	1080 (+113 from 1985)	139 (+21 from 1985)	0.00753
1985	1193 (+32 from 1984)	118 (+12 from 1984)	0.00639
1984	1225 (+86 from 1983)	106 (+14 from 1983)	0.00588
1983	1311 (+178 from 1982)	92 (+12 from 1982)	0.00514
1982	1489 (-44 from 1981)	80 (-4 from 1981)	0.00441
1981	1445 (+2 from 1980)	84 No change from 1980	0.00470
1980	1447 (-176 from 1979)	84 (-16 from 1979)	0.00472
1979	1271 (-145 from 1978)	100 (-15 from 1978)	0.00580
1978	1126 (-200 from 1977)	115 (-36 from 1977)	0.00700
1977	926 (+191 from 1976)	151 (+44 from 1976)	0.00918
1976	1117 (-62 from 1975)	107 (-5 from 1975)	0.00681
1975	1055 (+121 from 1974)	112 (+17 from 1974)	0.00718
1974	1176 (-174 from 1973)	95 (-23 from 1973)	0.00607
1973	1002 (+36 from 1972)	118 (+6 from 1972)	0.00759
1972	1038 (+28 from 1971)	112 (-1 from 1971)	0.00695
1971	1066 (+15 from 1970)	113 (+2 from 1970)	0.00645
1970	1081 (+23 from 1969)	111 (+11 from 1969)	0.00606
1969	1104 (-20 from 1968)	100 (+4 from 1968)	0.00567
1968	1084 (-219 from 1967)	96 (-41 from 1967)	0.00562
1967	865 (+126 from 1966)	137 (+31 from 1966)	0.00798
1966	991 (+249 from 1965)	106 (+31 from 1965)	0.00604
1965	1240 (-149 from 1964)	75 (-25 from 1964)	0.00410
1964	1091 (-44 from 1963)	100 (-5 from 1963)	0.00511
1963	1047 (-15 from 1962)	105 (-4 from 1962)	0.00528
1962	1032 (-41 from 1961)	109 (-10 from 1961)	0.00538
1961	991 (+3 from 1960)	119 (+2 from 1960)	0.00573
1960	994 (-12 from 1959)	117 (+1 from 1959)	0.00563
1959	982 (+6 from 1958)	116 (+6 from 1958)	0.00558
1958	988 (+33 from 1957)	110 (+5 from 1957)	0.00532
1957	1021 (-56 from 1956)	105 (-4 from 1956)	0.00500
1956	965 (-75 from 1955)	109 (-11 from 1955)	0.00529
1955	890 (-66 from 1954)	120 (-10 from 1954)	0.00599
1954	824 (+157 from 1953)	130 (+35 from 1953)	0.00653
1953	981 (-51 from 1952)	95 (-4 from 1952)	0.00492
1952	930 (-73 from 1951)	99 (-10 from 1951)	0.00521
1951	857 (+34 from 1950)	109 (+10 from 1950)	0.00590
1950	891 (-38 from 1949)	99 (-8 from 1949)	0.00563
1949	853 (+1 from 1948)	107 (+2 from 1948)	0.00610
1948	854 (-91 from 1947)	105 (-22 from 1947)	0.00603
1947	763 (-7 from 1946)	127 (+10 from 1946)	0.00699
1946	756 (-15 from 1945)	117 (+16 from 1945)	0.00725
1945	741 (-31 from 1944)	101 (-11 from 1944)	0.00750
1944	710 (-42 from 1943)	112 (-16 from 1943)	0.00820
1943	668 (-5 from 1942)	128 (+1 from 1942)	0.00892
1942	663 (-100 from 1941)	127 (-28 from 1941)	0.00913
1941	563 (+2 from 1940)	155 (+5 from 1940)	0.01244
1940	565 (-2 from 1939)	150 (+7 from 1939)	0.01270
1939	563 (-6 from 1938)	143 (-8 from 1938)	0.01261
1938	557 (+55 from 1937)	151 (+30 from 1937)	0.01323
1937	612 (-60 from 1936)	121 (-18 from 1936)	0.01098
1936	552 (+19 from 1935)	139 (+12 from 1935)	0.01290
1935	571 (-3 from 1934)	127 (-1 from 1934)	0.01169
1934	568 (-36 from 1933)	128 (-15 from 1933)	0.01183
1933	532 (+9 from 1932)	143 (-2 from 1932)	0.01367
1932	541 (+9 from 1931)	145 (+2 from 1931)	0.01311
1931	550 (-20 from 1930)	143 (-21 from 1930)	0.01296
1930	530 (+31 from 1929)	164 (+16 from 1929)	0.01406
1929	561 (-41 from 1928)	148 (-29 from 1928)	0.01279
1928	520 (+24 from 1927)	177 (+8 from 1927)	0.01481
1927	544 (+13 from 1926)	169 (+7 from 1926)	0.01367
1926	557 (-51 from 1925)	162 (-30 from 1925)	0.01317
1925	506 (-3 from 1924)	192 (-5 from 1924)	0.01520
1924	503 (-5 from 1923)	197 (+3 from 1923)	0.01520
1923	498 (+3 from 1922)	194 (+1 from 1922)	0.01549
1922	501 (-5 from 1921)	193 (-6 from 1921)	0.01547
1921	496 (-40 from 1920)	199 (-21 from 1920)	0.01555
1920	456 (+24 from 1919)	220 (+27 from 1919)	0.01768
1919	480 (-23 from 1918)	193 (-22 from 1918)	0.01643
1918	457 (-33 from 1917)	215 (-12 from 1917)	0.01788
1917	424 (+25 from 1916)	227 (+28 from 1916)	0.02020
1916	449 (-16 from 1915)	199 (+1 from 1915)	0.01833
1915	433 (-38 from 1914)	198 (+21 from 1914)	0.01934
1914	395 (+82 from 1913)	177 (+65 from 1913)	0.02222
1913	477 (-11 from 1912)	112 (+8 from 1912)	0.01710
1912	466 (-31 from 1911)	104 (+17 from 1911)	0.01773
1911	435 (-18 from 1910)	87 (-2 from 1910)	0.01969
1910	417 (-4 from 1909)	89 (+11 from 1909)	0.02121
1909	413 No change from 1908	78 (+2 from 1908)	0.02119
1908	413 (-22 from 1907)	76 (-6 from 1907)	0.02144
1907	391 (+74 from 1906)	82 (+29 from 1906)	0.02430
1906	465 (-103 from 1905)	53 (-34 from 1905)	0.01691
1905	362 (+43 from 1904)	87 (+24 from 1904)	0.02808
1904	405 (-21 from 1903)	63 (-5 from 1903)	0.02154
1903	384 (-46 from 1902)	68 (-19 from 1902)	0.02444
1902	338 (+66 from 1901)	87 (+33 from 1901)	0.03103
1901	404 (-12 from 1900)	54 (-17 from 1900)	0.02124
1900	392 (-65 from 1899)	71 (-13 from 1899)	0.02235
1899	327 (+21 from 1898)	84 (+5 from 1898)	0.03394
1898	348 (-4 from 1897)	79 (+7 from 1897)	0.02882
1897	344 (-61 from 1896)	72 (-34 from 1896)	0.02900
1896	283 (+22 from 1895)	106 (+16 from 1895)	0.04206
1895	305 (-9 from 1894)	90 (+5 from 1894)	0.03642
1894	296 (-5 from 1893)	85 (-1 from 1893)	0.03602
1893	291 (-6 from 1892)	86 (-2 from 1892)	0.03818
1892	285 (-18 from 1891)	88 (+4 from 1891)	0.03913
1891	267 (+21 from 1890)	84 (+10 from 1890)	0.04273
1890	288 (+6 from 1889)	74 (+7 from 1889)	0.03669
1889	294 (-3 from 1888)	67 (+2 from 1888)	0.03541
1888	291 (-25 from 1887)	65 (+2 from 1887)	0.03431
1887	266 (-38 from 1886)	63 (-17 from 1886)	0.04053
1886	228 (+5 from 1885)	80 (+8 from 1885)	0.05204
1885	233 (-15 from 1884)	72 (-3 from 1884)	0.05072
1884	218 (+1 from 1883)	75 (+9 from 1883)	0.05451
1883	219 (-2 from 1882)	66 (+4 from 1882)	0.05497
1882	217 (+14 from 1881)	62 (+16 from 1881)	0.05359
1881	231 (-16 from 1880)	46 (-4 from 1880)	0.04653
1880	215 First SSA data recorded	50 First SSA data recorded	0.05123

American States Popularity Rankings for Phoebe

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

#2292021

#2302022

#1802023

New York (NY)

#2262021

#1992022

#1922023

Texas (TX)

#3442021

#2892022

#2732023

Pennsylvania (PA)

#2922021

#1772022

#2092023

Ohio (OH)

#2232021

#2422022

#1822023

Illinois (IL)

#3122021

#2002022

#2262023

Massachusetts (MA)

#2122021

#1472022

#982023

Florida (FL)

#3882021

#4362022

#3232023

North Carolina (NC)

#2982021

#3062022

#1362023

Virginia (VA)

#2402021

#2572022

#1992023

Georgia (GA)

#3772021

#2942022

#2972023

Washington (WA)

#1522021

#1392022

#1152023

Michigan (MI)

#2312021

#2572022

#1772023

New Jersey (NJ)

#3432021

#4062022

#3802023

Indiana (IN)

#2132021

#1912022

#1872023

Missouri (MO)

#2672021

#2152022

#1522023

Tennessee (TN)

#2522021

#2812022

#2062023

Wisconsin (WI)

#2242021

#2662022

#1292023

Minnesota (MN)

#2422021

#1862022

#1212023

Arizona (AZ)

#2442021

#2112022

#1922023

Maryland (MD)

#2442021

#2182022

#2862023

Colorado (CO)

#2422021

#2292022

#1452023

Connecticut (CT)

#2182021

#1612022

#1772023

Utah (UT)

#1852021

#1252022

#1182023

Oregon (OR)

#1862021

#1412022

#1242023

Louisiana (LA)

#2982021

#3442022

#4152023

Kentucky (KY)

#2682021

#2302022

#1382023

South Carolina (SC)

#4222021

#2532022

#2602023

Oklahoma (OK)

#2752021

#1892022

#2442023

Maine (ME)

#642021

#412022

#1222023

Kansas (KS)

#1962021

#3082022

#1302023

Alabama (AL)

#3602021

#3452022

#2782023

Iowa (IA)

#2842021

#3812022

#2122023

Arkansas (AR)

#2302021

#1712022

#1722023

New Hampshire (NH)

#1432021

#1152022

#1332023

Idaho (ID)

#2142021

#2682022

#2172023

Nebraska (NE)

#1902021

#2382022

#1832023

West Virginia (WV)

#2332021

#1782022

#2232023

Nevada (NV)

#2572021

#3542022

#5602023

Rhode Island (RI)

#1742019

#922022

#1952023

District of Columbia (DC)

#2682020

#2432021

#862022

Mississippi (MS)

#6412019

#4582021

#3402023

Vermont (VT)

#542021

#242022

#632023

New Mexico (NM)

#3962019

#3842020

#3082022

Alaska (AK)

#1002020

#552022

#812023

Montana (MT)

#1842019

#1832022

#1172023

Hawaii (HI)

#2952008

#2192010

#1122023

Delaware (DE)

#2292015

#1792016

#1402019

South Dakota (SD)

#2232004

#2562008

#2172018

North Dakota (ND)

#1842014

#2592017

#1942020

Wyoming (WY)

#1182011

Popularity Rankings for Phoebe in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales

#222019

#252020

#222021

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

#592021

#352022

#392023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland

#622021

#652022

#452023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand

#792021

#762022

#562023

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW)

#722021

#722022

#692023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland

#1232021

#782022

#992023

Popularity in Canada

Canada

#2202021

#1692022

#1162023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada

#8592020

#3822021

#2782022

Popularity in Poland

Poland

#4002017

#5742018

#4582023

Popularity in Germany

Germany

#4942016

#4742017

#4692023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland

#9392020

#8842021

#9062022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Phoebe a Name for Boys or Girls?

Phoebe is predominantly a name for girls, often associated with its use in Greek mythology and its feminine sound.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Phoebe

Phoebia
Phebe
Phoebo
Phobie
Phoebina

Ebbie
Feebee
Feebo
Phoe
Fibi
Pheebs

Phee
Bee
Phoebs
Bebe
Feebs
Fifi

Phoebe in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Actress, born 1985): A British actress, writer, and producer famous for creating and starring in the TV series "Fleabag."
Phoebe Tonkin (Actress, born 1989): An Australian actress known for her roles in "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Originals."
Phoebe Cates (Actress, born 1963): An American actress best remembered for her roles in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Gremlins."
Phoebe Snow (Singer, 1950–2011): An American singer-songwriter celebrated for her hit song "Poetry Man."
Phoebe Cary (Poet, 1824–1871): An American poet who co-authored numerous hymns and poems with her sister Alice Cary.
Phoebe Hearst (Philanthropist, 1842–1919): An American philanthropist and suffragist who made significant contributions to education and the arts.
Phoebe Dynevor (Actress, born 1995): A British actress best known for her role in the Netflix series "Bridgerton."
Phoebe Robinson (Comedian, born 1984): An American comedian, writer, and actress, co-host of the podcast "2 Dope Queens."

Phoebe Buffay ("Friends," 1994 TV Series): A quirky and eccentric musician known for her unconventional songs and unique outlook on life.
"Phoebe in Wonderland" (2008 Film): Follows a young girl named Phoebe who struggles with Tourette syndrome and finds solace in her school’s drama program.
Phoebe Halliwell ("Charmed," 1998 TV Series): One of three sisters who are powerful witches fighting evil forces.
Phoebe Heyerdahl ("Hey Arnold!," 1996 TV Series): A smart and loyal friend who often helps Arnold and the gang with her intelligence.
Phoebe Cates ("Gremlins," 1984 Film): Plays Kate Beringer, the girlfriend of the protagonist who helps fight against the mischievous gremlins.
"Phoebe and Her Unicorn" (2014 Graphic Novel Series): Chronicles the adventures of a young girl named Phoebe and her magical unicorn friend.
Phoebe Forrester ("The Bold and the Beautiful," 1987 TV Series): A character involved in the dramatic and intricate storylines of the soap opera.
Phoebe Caulfield ("The Catcher in the Rye," 1951 Novel): The younger sister of the protagonist Holden Caulfield, symbolizing innocence and youth.

Phoebe Pond (New Hampshire, USA): A small pond located in the town of Dublin, offering serene views and a habitat for local wildlife.
Phoebe Lake (Quebec, Canada): A freshwater lake situated in the Lanaudière region, popular for its fishing and boating activities.
Phoebe Street (Toronto, Ontario, Canada): A residential street in downtown Toronto, lined with historic homes and modern apartments.
Phoebe's Garden (London, England): A community garden located in the heart of the city, providing a green space for urban dwellers.
Phoebe Ridge (Pennsylvania, USA): A scenic ridge located in the Appalachian Mountains, offering hiking trails and panoramic views.
Phoebe School (Illinois, USA): An elementary school located in the town of Belleville, providing education to the local community.
Phoebe Beach (California, USA): A small, secluded beach located in the northern part of San Diego County, ideal for quiet retreats.

Sibling Names for Phoebe

For a Brother
For a Sister

Parents Who Like the Name Phoebe Also Like

Have any questions about the name Phoebe? I’m here to provide all the details you need before making a decision for your baby name. Thanks for reading, and take care!

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Phoebe Name Meaning