"bright, radiant, shining"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Phaedra
Does Phaedra flow with your last name?
A luminous Greek name shadowed by ancient tragedy
Greek
Roman
English
Mythological
Sophisticated
Literary
Vintage
Elegant
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Meaning & Origin
"gleaming one"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Greek
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Things to Know About This Name
- Phaedra is a tragic mythological figure whose forbidden love for her stepson led to his death and her own suicide — parents should be aware of this dark narrative
The Story of Phaedra
Phaedra comes from the Greek 'phaidros' meaning bright or radiant. In Greek mythology, Phaedra was the daughter of King Minos of Crete and Pasiphae, and later the wife of the Athenian hero Theseus. Her tragic story — immortalized by Euripides in Hippolytus (428 BCE) and later retold by Seneca and Racine — centers on her doomed passion for her stepson Hippolytus, making it one of antiquity's most enduring tales of forbidden love.
Phaedra has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries, remaining a rare and distinctive choice. The name gained slight modern visibility through Phaedra Parks, a cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2010-2017).
In Greek culture, Phaedra represents the destructive power of forbidden desire. The name has been immortalized across millennia in Euripides' tragedy, Seneca's Latin version, Racine's 1677 French play Phedre (considered one of the masterworks of French literature), and numerous operas.
Historical Record
Phaedra first appeared in US Social Security records in 1963.
Over 1,885 babies have been named Phaedra in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Phaedra is past its peak , currently ranked #6,169 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Racine's Phedre (1677) is considered one of the greatest works of French classical theater
- The name means 'bright' yet is associated with one of mythology's darkest love stories
- Phaedra was the sister of Ariadne, who helped Theseus escape the Labyrinth
Phaedra in Other Languages
Latin
Phaedra
French
Phedre
Italian
Fedra
Spanish
Fedra
Portuguese
Fedra
Popularity Over Time
#6,169
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Peaked 1971
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Phaedra
P
Phaedra Parks
Entertainer
1973
American attorney and television personality, known for The Real Housewives of Atlanta
P
Phaedra Fictional
Other
Daughter of King Minos and wife of Theseus in Greek mythology; tragic heroine of Euripides' Hippolytus
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Compare Phaedra with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,169
- Total SSA Count
- 20
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Roman English
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Phae
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Phaedra
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Phaedra
What does the name Phaedra mean?
"bright, radiant, shining" (from Greek). "gleaming one" (from Ancient Greek). Phaedra comes from the Greek 'phaidros' meaning bright or radiant. In Greek mythology, Phaedra was the daughter of King Minos of Crete and Pasiphae, and later the wife of the Athenian hero Theseus. Her tragic story — immortalized by Euripides in Hippolytus (428 BCE) and later retold by Seneca and Racine — centers on her doomed passion for her stepson Hippolytus, making it one of antiquity's most enduring tales of forbidden love.
What is the origin of the name Phaedra?
Phaedra has Greek, Ancient Greek, Roman, and English origins. In Greek, it means "bright, radiant, shining". In Ancient Greek, it means "gleaming one".
Is Phaedra a boy or girl name?
Phaedra is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Phaedra?
Phaedra is currently ranked #6169 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Phaedra?
Common nicknames for Phaedra include Phae.
What are good middle names for Phaedra?
Popular middle name pairings include Phaedra Rose, Phaedra Violet, Phaedra Claire, Phaedra Jane, Phaedra Ann, and Phaedra Louise.
What are good sibling names for Phaedra?
Names that pair well with Phaedra as siblings include Theron, Damon, Calista, Ariadne, Perseus, and Helena.
How many syllables does Phaedra have?
Phaedra has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Phaedra a common or rare name?
Phaedra is an uncommon name, ranked #6169 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Phaedra
Phaedra is a girl name with Greek, Roman, and English origins . The name means "bright, radiant, shining" in Greek .
Phaedra is currently ranked #6,169 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Phaedra has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Phaedra include Phae. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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