Phoebe
Phoebe is a girls' name of Greek origin meaning “Bright, radiant, or shining one.” It ranked #157 in the United States in 2025. From the Greek 'Phoibe,' a Titaness associated with the moon and prophecy.
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how do you pronounce Phoebe?
FEE-bee
where does the name Phoebe come from?
From the Greek Phoibe, the feminine form of Phoebus, an epithet of Apollo meaning bright, shining, or pure.
It appears in the New Testament and in Shakespeare. Phoebe Buffay from Friends brought wide modern recognition.
how popular is this name?
Phoebe has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 121 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 25. It peaked at #157 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #157 |
| 2024 | #183 |
| 2023 | #191 |
| 2022 | #212 |
| 2021 | #247 |
| 2020 | #253 |
| 2019 | #291 |
| 2018 | #320 |
| 2017 | #318 |
| 2016 | #314 |
| 2010 | #308 |
| 2000 | #439 |
| 1990 | #871 |
| 1960 | #993 |
| 1950 | #891 |
| 1940 | #565 |
| 1930 | #530 |
| 1920 | #456 |
| 1910 | #417 |
| 1900 | #392 |
| 1890 | #288 |
| 1880 | #215 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Phoebe fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Phoebe?
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge
- Phoebe Cates
- Phoebe Bridgers
what are the nicknames and variants of Phoebe?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Phoebe?
what names go well with Phoebe?
Sibling names that share Phoebe's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Phoebe
What does the name Phoebe mean?
Phoebe means “Bright, radiant, or shining one”.
What is the origin of the name Phoebe?
Phoebe comes from the Greek naming tradition. Related forms include Phebe and Phoibe.
How popular is the name Phoebe?
Phoebe ranked #157 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2025, at #157, and it has spent 121 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Phoebe a boy or girl name?
Phoebe is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Phoebe?
Phoebe is pronounced FEE-bee, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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