What does Pheobe mean and where does it come from?
Pheobe is a modern variant of the name Phoebe, which has Greek origins meaning 'bright' or 'radiant'.
Cultural significance
Phoebe is a name found in ancient Greek mythology and literature, often associated with the moon and light.
Peak popularity
Reached #901 in 1885 — currently #7063 in the US.
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Related Reading
Modern coinage-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Pheobe?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Pheobe?
Pheobe works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pheobe Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Pheobe Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Pheobe Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Pheobe Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Pheobe Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Pheobe Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Pheobe right now?
Rising fast — up 1769 spots — currently #7063 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #7063 | 16 | ▲ up 1769 · +33% births |
| 2024 | #8832 | 12 | ▼ down 878 · -14% births |
| 2023 | #7954 | 14 | ▼ down 1311 · -22% births |
| 2022 | #6643 | 18 | ▲ up 3489 · +80% births |
| 2021 | #10132 | 10 | ▼ down 3558 · -41% births |
| 2020 | #6574 | 17 | ▼ down 738 · -23% births |
| 2015 | #5836 | 22 | ▼ down 723 · -19% births |
| 2010 | #5113 | 27 | ▲ up 1422 · +50% births |
| 2005 | #6535 | 18 | ▼ down 32 · +13% births |
| 2000 | #6503 | 16 | ▲ up 4050 · +129% births |
| 1995 | #10553 | 7 | ▲ up 2461 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #13014 | 5 | ▼ down 7684 · -29% births |
| 1965 | #5330 | 7 | ▼ down 549 · +17% births |
| 1950 | #4781 | 6 | ▼ down 991 |
| 1935 | #3790 | 6 | — |
The story of Pheobe
Pheobe has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 1,064 total births recorded, Pheobe remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #901 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7954 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Pheobe in 1885:
Pheobe by decade
Pheobe peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 40 | |
| 1890s | 61 | |
| 1900s | 31 | |
| 1910s | 88 | |
| 1920s | 112 | |
| 1930s | 68 | |
| 1940s | 21 | |
| 1950s | 30 | |
| 1960s | 43 | |
| 1970s | 29 | |
| 1990s | 64 | |
| 2000s ★ | 243 | |
| 2010s | 217 | |
| 2020s | 45 | |
💎With 1,064 total births, Pheobe is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Pheobe?
Common
PhePheobPheobiePheobyObe
What names sound and feel like Pheobe?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pheobe also consider these
How is Pheobe written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Pheobe?
Common questions about the name Pheobe
What does the name Pheobe mean?
Pheobe means "light, shining — from Phoebe" — a name rooted in Modern coinage 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 Pheobe?
Pheobe is currently ranked #1000 as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Pheobe?
Pheobe originates from Modern coinage tradition. Modern coinage names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Pheobe sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Pheobe flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Pheobe ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
What sibling names go well with Pheobe?
Pheobe pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Modern coinage heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.