Find out how popular the first name Phaedra has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Phaedra by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Phaedra is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 26 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Phaedra.

The history of the first name Phaedra

The name Phaedra has its origins in ancient Greek mythology and literature. It is derived from the Greek word "phaidros," which means "bright" or "radiant." The name first appeared in classical Greek texts, particularly in the tragic play "Hippolytus" by the ancient Greek playwright Euripides.

In Greek mythology, Phaedra was the daughter of King Minos of Crete and Pasiphaë. She married Theseus, the legendary hero and founder of Athens, but fell in love with her stepson, Hippolytus. When Hippolytus rejected her advances, Phaedra falsely accused him of attempting to seduce her, leading to his tragic death. This tragic tale has been a source of inspiration for various literary works throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Phaedra can be found in Euripides' play "Hippolytus," which was written around 428 BCE. The character of Phaedra has been portrayed by various writers and artists over the centuries, including Seneca the Younger, Racine, and Eugene O'Neill.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Phaedra. For instance, Phaedra of Athens (c. 370 BCE – c. 290 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher and student of Plato. She is believed to have been one of the few female philosophers of her time.

In the 17th century, Phaedra Ziliotto (1600 - 1670) was an Italian opera singer and one of the first known female professional singers in Europe. She performed in various cities across Italy and is considered a pioneer in the early development of opera.

Phaedra Drusillia Britannia (1667 - 1731) was an English noblewoman and courtier during the reign of King William III and Queen Anne. She was known for her influential role in court circles and her patronage of the arts.

In the 20th century, Phaedra Harawira (1918 - 2004) was a prominent Māori activist and leader in New Zealand, advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples and environmental conservation.

More recently, Phaedra Parks (born 1973) is an American entertainment attorney and television personality, best known for her appearances on the reality TV show "The Real Housewives of Atlanta."

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Phaedra was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Phaedra, please contact us.

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