"bright, radiant, shining"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Phoebe
Pronunciation: [ f-EEB-ee ]
Does Phoebe flow with your last name?
A radiant Greek goddess name meaning 'bright'
Greek
English
American
Biblical
Vintage
Literary
Whimsical
Elegant
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"the moon"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: Greek
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The Story of Phoebe
Phoebe comes from the Greek 'Phoibos,' meaning 'bright' or 'radiant.' In Greek mythology, Phoebe was a Titaness associated with the moon and prophetic intellect, and grandmother of Apollo and Artemis. The Romans identified her with the moon goddess Luna. The name also appears in the New Testament in Paul's letter to the Romans as a respected early Christian deacon — making Phoebe one of the few women mentioned in the New Testament by name.
Phoebe saw a significant revival in the 1990s thanks to the beloved Friends character Phoebe Buffay (played by Lisa Kudrow), whose quirky, free-spirited nature made the name feel fun and approachable. It has continued to rise in the UK and US as parents embrace Victorian-era revival names.
In Greek mythology, Phoebe was a moon Titaness and oracle. In early Christianity, Phoebe of Cenchreae was a deacon and patron who delivered Paul's letter to the Romans. The name Phoebe is also given to one of Saturn's moons.
Historical Record
Phoebe first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 33,460 babies have been named Phoebe in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Phoebe is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #183 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- One of Saturn's moons is named Phoebe
- Phoebe of Cenchreae was the first woman named 'deacon' in Christian scripture (Romans 16:1)
- Friends character Phoebe Buffay (1994–2004) sparked a major revival of the name
Phoebe in Other Languages
Greek
Φοίβη
Latin
Phoebe
French
Phoébé
Italian
Febe
Spanish
Febe
Popularity Over Time
#183
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Phoebe
P
Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Writer
1985
British writer, actress, and creator of Fleabag and Killing Eve
P
Phoebe Buffay (character) Fictional
Other
Free-spirited musician character in the TV sitcom Friends (1994–2004), played by Lisa Kudrow
P
Phoebe (mythological Titaness) Fictional
Other
Titaness of the moon and prophetic radiance in Greek mythology
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Compare Phoebe with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #183
- Total SSA Count
- 1,639
- Cultural Origins
- Greek English American Biblical
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Pheebs
Bee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Phoebe
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Phoebe is also used as a boy name, ranked #28154.
View Phoebe as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Greek)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Phoebe
What does the name Phoebe mean?
"bright, radiant, shining" (from Greek). "the moon" (from Greek mythology). Phoebe comes from the Greek 'Phoibos,' meaning 'bright' or 'radiant.' In Greek mythology, Phoebe was a Titaness associated with the moon and prophetic intellect, and grandmother of Apollo and Artemis. The Romans identified her with the moon goddess Luna. The name also appears in the New Testament in Paul's letter to the Romans as a respected early Christian deacon — making Phoebe one of the few women mentioned in the New Testament by name.
What is the origin of the name Phoebe?
Phoebe has Greek, Greek mythology, English, American, and Biblical origins. In Greek, it means "bright, radiant, shining". In Greek mythology, it means "the moon".
Is Phoebe a boy or girl name?
Phoebe is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #183. As a boy name, it is ranked #28154. Phoebe is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Phoebe?
Phoebe is pronounced f-EEB-ee.
How popular is the name Phoebe?
Phoebe is currently ranked #183 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Phoebe?
Common nicknames for Phoebe include Pheebs and Bee.
What are good middle names for Phoebe?
Popular middle name pairings include Phoebe Rose, Phoebe Jane, Phoebe Ann, Phoebe Claire, Phoebe Kate, Phoebe Grace, and Phoebe Violet.
What are good sibling names for Phoebe?
Names that pair well with Phoebe as siblings include Theo, Arthur, Clem, Iris, Juno, Felix, and Hazel.
How many syllables does Phoebe have?
Phoebe has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Phoebe a common or rare name?
Phoebe is a popular name, ranked #183 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Phoebe?
About the Name Phoebe
Phoebe is a girl name with Greek, English, American, and Biblical origins . The name means "bright, radiant, shining" in Greek .
Is Phoebe a boy or girl name? Phoebe is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #183 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #28,154. Phoebe is more commonly used as a girl name.
Phoebe is currently ranked #183 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Phoebe has 2 syllables and is pronounced f-EEB-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Phoebe include Pheebs and Bee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Phoebe include Phoenix, Phoenyx . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis