The namePhoebe
Phoebe is a girl's name of Greek origin meaning "bright, radiant". It is in the top 20 in England and Wales.
- Girl's name
- Greek
- Feast day
Meaning
Phoebe comes from the Greek phoibē, "bright, pure". Phoebe was a Titan of Greek mythology, and Phoebus, "the bright one", a name of Apollo.
Origin
Greek. Saint Paul mentions Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, in his Letter to the Romans.
History
Phoebe Buffay of the series Friends gave the name a new audience in the 1990s. It rose in Britain to the top 20 in England and Wales.
Did you know?
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge wrote and starred in Fleabag, which won several Emmy Awards in 2019.
Famous people named Phoebe
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge, writer and actress
- Phoebe Bridgers, singer
- Phoebe Buffay, Friends character
Popularity of the name Phoebe
Phoebe in the United States
Phoebe was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 10,640 births over the decade, 25% of all recorded babies named Phoebe. Its rise began around 1914, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Phoebe in the United States were born before 2006, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 1,406 births a year on average, against 1,070 in the five years before.
Phoebe in the United Kingdom
Phoebe was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 20,672 births over the decade, 41% of all recorded babies named Phoebe. Half of all babies named Phoebe in the United Kingdom were born before 2012, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 1,689 births a year.
Phoebe in Ireland
Phoebe in France
Sibling names for Phoebe
Names from the same generation as Phoebe, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Phoebe? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Phoebe with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Phoebe side by side with the name of your choice.
Phoebe in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Phoebe mean?
Phoebe comes from the Greek phoibē, "bright, pure". Phoebe was a Titan of Greek mythology, and Phoebus, "the bright one", a name of Apollo.
What is the origin of the name Phoebe?
Greek. Saint Paul mentions Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, in his Letter to the Romans.
Is Phoebe a girl's or a boy's name?
Phoebe is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Phoebe?
In 2024, Phoebe was the 183rd most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 1,639 births.
What are good sibling names for Phoebe?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Daphne, Helena, Anastasia and Elaine for a sister, Lukas, Angelo, Orion and Emilio for a brother.
Who are famous people named Phoebe?
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, writer and actress; Phoebe Bridgers, singer; Phoebe Buffay, Friends character.