What does Phoebe mean and where does it come from?
The name Phoebe is of Greek origin, derived from the name Φοίβη (Phoibe), which means 'bright' or 'radiant.' In Greek mythology, Phoebe was a Titan associated with the moon and was considered 'bright' or 'shining.' The name's popularity has been boosted by its use in various cultural references, inc
Cultural significance
Phoebe has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of radiant, shining.
Peak popularity
Reached #217 in 1880 — currently #190 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Phoebe?
Phoebe works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Phoebe Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Phoebe Rose
Floral · soft ending
Phoebe Mae
Sweet · timeless
Phoebe Claire
French influence · crisp
Phoebe Jane
Literary · strong
Phoebe Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Phoebe right now?
Rising — up 25 spots — currently #190 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #190 | 1,590 | ▲ up 25 · +15% births |
| 2022 | #215 | 1,382 | ▲ up 32 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #247 | 1,240 | ▲ up 9 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #256 | 1,163 | ▲ up 31 · +4% births |
| 2015 | #287 | 1,117 | ▲ up 21 · +8% births |
| 2010 | #308 | 1,038 | ▲ up 117 · +42% births |
| 2005 | #425 | 730 | ▲ up 15 · +14% births |
| 2000 | #440 | 641 | ▲ up 139 · +62% births |
| 1995 | #579 | 396 | ▲ up 290 · +76% births |
| 1990 | #869 | 225 | ▲ up 331 · +92% births |
| 1985 | #1200 | 117 | ▲ up 246 · +39% births |
| 1980 | #1446 | 84 | ▼ down 390 · -25% births |
| 1975 | #1056 | 112 | ▲ up 25 · +1% births |
| 1970 | #1081 | 111 | ▲ up 161 · +48% births |
| 1965 | #1242 | 75 | — |
The story of Phoebe
Phoebe has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 35,856 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #217 in 1880 to #190 in 2023. Phoebe is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Phoebe in 1880:
Phoebe by decade
Phoebe peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 646 | |
| 1890s | 848 | |
| 1900s | 719 | |
| 1910s | 1,602 | |
| 1920s | 1,851 | |
| 1930s | 1,404 | |
| 1940s | 1,229 | |
| 1950s | 1,092 | |
| 1960s | 1,065 | |
| 1970s | 1,134 | |
| 1980s | 1,121 | |
| 1990s | 3,286 | |
| 2000s | 8,086 | |
| 2010s ★ | 10,610 | |
| 2020s | 1,163 | |
What are good nicknames for Phoebe?
Common
PhoPhoebPhoebiePhoebyEbe
What names sound and feel like Phoebe?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Phoebe also consider these
How is Phoebe written in other languages?
Gender variants of Phoebe
Common questions about the name Phoebe
What does the name Phoebe mean?
Phoebe means "radiant, 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 Phoebe?
Phoebe is currently ranked #190 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Phoebe have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Phoebe?
Phoebe 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 Phoebe?
Phoebe is a two-syllable name pronounced F IY1 B IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Phoebe trending right now?
Phoebe is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.