Phedra

“bright, shining” — Associated with Phaedra

Greece origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1396US 2023

804Births / yr

→Stable

47All-time births

📅 Since 196900

How to pronounce Phedra

FEDR·uh

/ˈfɛdr.ə/ · stress on FEDR · 2 syllables

“bright, shining”

Associated with Phaedra · Greece origin

What does Phedra mean and where does it come from?

Phedra (Φαίδρα) is of Greek origin and carries the meaning of 'bright' or 'shining.' The name is most famously associated with Phaedra, a character from Greek mythology. In the myth, Phaedra is the daughter of Minos and Pasiphaë and is known for her tragic love for her stepson, Hippolytus. The name

Cultural significance

Phedra has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright, shining.

Peak popularity

Reached #5046 in 1969 — currently #1396 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Phedra?

Phedra works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Phedra Grace

How popular is Phedra right now?

Holding steady — currently #1396 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#1396 · Top 1.0%

1975

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1396	804	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1401	784	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1406	754	▲ up 8429 · +14980% births
1975	#9835	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Phedra

Best Year2023Rank #1396

Peak Count804

Average Rank#3510

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1975 - 20234 years

The story of Phedra

Phedra is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1969. With 47 total births recorded, Phedra remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9835 in 1975 to #1396 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Phedra in 1969:

Lisa Michelle Jennifer Kimberly Melissa

Phedra by decade

Phedra peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	10
1970s ★	27
1980s	10

💎Phedra has only 47 total recorded births since 1969 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Phedra?

Common

PhePhiePhyEdra

What names sound and feel like Phedra?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Phedra also consider these

Thedra

Greece · divine gift

Phadra

Greece · Bright, shining

Arabic · love; tenderness

Pheba

Greece · Greek

Pedra

Portuguese · Portuguese

Phebia

Greece · Greek

Common questions about the name Phedra

What does the name Phedra mean?

Phedra means "bright, shining" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Phedra?

Phedra is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Phedra?

Phedra originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Phedra?

Phedra is a two-syllable name pronounced F EH1 D R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Phedra a common or rare name?

Phedra is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.