Phoebe
Meaning: Bright, shining; radiant
Origin: Greek — from Phoibe (Φοίβη), the feminine of Phoibos (bright, shining), an epithet of Apollo
Gender: Girl
Rank in Ireland: #322
Total births: 899
History: Phoebe became popular in the leafy suburbs of south Dublin and the new estates of Galway in recent decades. The name reflects a modern Ireland that is outward-looking yet deeply rooted. It is stylish, confident, and thoroughly Irish.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #97 |
| Babies named Phoebe in 2025 | 49 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 899 |
| Peak year | 2022 (70 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #78 |
| Years in records | 1985–2025 (39 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↑ 31 spots |
Frequently asked about Phoebe
What does the name Phoebe mean?
Phoebe means “Bright, shining; radiant” from Greek — from Phoibe (Φοίβη), the feminine of Phoibos (bright, shining), an epithet of Apollo roots.
What is the origin of the name Phoebe?
Phoebe has Greek — from Phoibe (Φοίβη), the feminine of Phoibos (bright, shining), an epithet of Apollo origin. The traditional meaning is “Bright, shining; radiant”.
How popular is Phoebe in Ireland?
Phoebe ranked #97 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 49 babies that year.
When was Phoebe most popular?
Phoebe peaked in 2022 with 70 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Phoebe a boy or girl name?
Phoebe is predominantly a girls' name in Ireland — over 90% of Phoebes in registered births are female.
Is the name Phoebe rising or falling in popularity?
Phoebe has risen 31 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #128 in 2020 to #97 in 2025.
How long has Phoebe been recorded in Ireland?
Phoebe appears in birth records in Ireland across 39 years — from 1985 through 2025.