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

Popularity of Phineas by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Phineas is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 97 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Phineas.

The history of the first name Phineas

The name Phineas has its origins in the ancient Hebrew language, derived from the word "Pinchas," which means "mouth of brass" or "brazen mouth." It was a name given to individuals who were thought to possess extraordinary oratory skills or the ability to speak with authority.

The earliest known reference to the name Phineas comes from the Old Testament of the Bible. In the Book of Numbers, Phineas was a grandson of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and a priest of the Israelites. His act of zealotry in slaying an Israelite man and a Midianite woman, who were engaging in idolatrous behavior, is described in detail and earned him God's covenant of peace.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Phineas was Phineas Fletcher, an English poet and theologian born in 1582. He is best known for his epic poem "The Purple Island," published in 1633, which allegorically depicts the human body and mind.

Another notable figure with the name Phineas was Phineas Gage, an American railroad construction foreman born in 1823. In 1848, he survived an accident in which a large iron rod was driven through his skull, damaging parts of his brain responsible for personality and behavior. His case became a significant contribution to the study of the human brain and its functions.

In the late 18th century, Phineas Quimby, an American philosopher and healer born in 1802, developed a system of metaphysical healing that influenced the emergence of the New Thought movement and the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science.

Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, born in 1816, was another influential figure in the field of mental healing. His theories and practices laid the foundation for what would later become known as the New Thought movement and the teachings of Christian Science.

Phineas Taylor Barnum, better known as P.T. Barnum, was an American showman and businessman born in 1810. He is widely credited with creating the modern circus and is remembered for his innovative marketing strategies and his famous quote, "There's a sucker born every minute."

These are just a few examples of notable individuals named Phineas throughout history, highlighting the name's long and varied heritage across different fields and cultures.

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

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

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