Phoebe

Pronunciation: [ f-EEB-ee ]

Girl Name #183 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

A radiant Greek goddess name meaning 'bright'

Greek English American Biblical

Vintage Literary Whimsical Elegant Classic

Meaning & Origin

"bright, radiant, shining"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

"the moon"

Origin: Greek mythology

Language: Greek

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.

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

Famous People Named Phoebe

Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Writer

1985

British writer, actress, and creator of Fleabag and Killing Eve

Phoebe Buffay (character) Fictional

Other

Free-spirited musician character in the TV sitcom Friends (1994–2004), played by Lisa Kudrow

Phoebe (mythological Titaness) Fictional

Other

Titaness of the moon and prophetic radiance in Greek mythology

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

Phoenix #421 Phoenyx #4262

Common Nicknames

Pheebs Bee

Pairs Well With

Phoebe Rose Phoebe Jane Phoebe Ann Phoebe Claire Phoebe Kate Phoebe Grace Phoebe Violet

Sibling Names

Theo Arthur Clem Iris Juno Felix Hazel

Also a Boy Name

Phoebe is also used as a boy name, ranked #28154.

View Phoebe as a boy name →

Similar Names

Betty Beatrice Iona Mona Thea Winona Beatrix Beth

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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.

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.