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

Popularity of Pheobe by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Pheobe.

The history of the first name Pheobe

The name Phoebe has its roots in ancient Greek mythology and language. It is derived from the Greek word "phoibos," which means "radiant" or "bright." The name is closely associated with the Greek goddess Phoebe, who was known as the personification of the moon and its brilliance.

In Greek mythology, Phoebe was one of the original Titans, the ancient deities that preceded the Olympian gods. She was the daughter of Uranus (the personification of the sky) and Gaia (the personification of the earth). Phoebe was also the grandmother of Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, the moon, and childbirth.

The name Phoebe first gained popularity in ancient Greece and later spread throughout the Mediterranean region. It was a widely used name among the Greeks and Romans, with several notable historical figures bearing this name.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Phoebe is found in the New Testament of the Bible. In the Book of Romans, the Apostle Paul mentions a woman named Phoebe, who was a deacon (or servant) of the church in Cenchreae. This reference dates back to the 1st century AD.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have been named Phoebe. Some examples include:

1. Phoebe Cary (1824-1871), an American poet and writer, best known for her poems and contributions to the literary world.
2. Phoebe Waller-Bridge (born 1985), a British actress, writer, and producer, renowned for her work on the acclaimed series "Fleabag" and "Killing Eve."
3. Phoebe Ephron (1914-1971), an American playwright, screenwriter, and feminist author, known for her contributions to the women's liberation movement.
4. Phoebe Snow (1950-2011), an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for her unique vocal style and hits like "Poetry Man" and "Woodstock."
5. Phoebe Legere (c. 1712-1781), an American folk hero and Revolutionary War figure, famous for her act of spiking the British soldiers' drink with a laxative during the American Revolution.

The name Phoebe has maintained its popularity throughout various cultures and time periods, with its origins rooted in the rich Greek mythology and language. Its association with the radiant moon goddess and its meaning of "bright" or "radiant" have contributed to its enduring appeal as a given name.

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 Pheobe was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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