Phoebe
Gender: Girl
Meaning: Bright, shining; radiant
Origin: Greek — from Phoibe (Φοίβη), the feminine of Phoibos (bright, shining), an epithet of Apollo
Popularity: Ranked #157 in 2025 with 1,885 babies born.
History: Phoebe was a Titan in Greek mythology associated with the moon and the gift of prophecy. She also appears in the New Testament as a deaconess praised by Paul in his letter to the Romans. The name was used in Elizabethan England — it appears in Shakespeare's As You Like It — and has been used periodically in English-speaking countries since. Its modern surge owes significant credit to the quirky, lovable Phoebe Buffay of the TV series Friends, whose warmth and eccentricity made the name feel irresistibly charming. It entered the U.S. top 200 in the 2000s and continues climbing.
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Phoebe? About 1 in 1,766 babies born in 2025 were named Phoebe, or roughly 5.2 per day in the United States.
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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?
Phoebe ranked #157 in 2025 — given to 1,885 babies that year.
When was Phoebe most popular?
Phoebe peaked in 2025 with 1,885 babies registered that year.
Is Phoebe a boy or girl name?
Phoebe is predominantly a girls' name — over 90% of Phoebes in registered births are female.
Is the name Phoebe rising or falling in popularity?
Phoebe has risen 97 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #254 in 2020 to #157 in 2025.
How long has Phoebe been recorded?
Phoebe appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.