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

Popularity of Phoebe by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Phoebe is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Phoebe being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,580 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Phoebe.

The history of the first name Phoebe

The name Phoebe has its origins in ancient Greek language and culture, dating back to the 1st millennium BC. It is derived from the Greek word "phoibos," meaning "radiant" or "bright." The name was associated with the Greek goddess of the moon, Phoebe, who was also considered a Titan in Greek mythology.

In ancient Greek mythology, Phoebe was the daughter of Uranus and Gaia, and the grandmother of Artemis and Apollo. She was revered for her beauty and her association with the celestial bodies, particularly the moon. The name Phoebe was also used in some ancient Greek texts and writings, such as those of the Greek poet Hesiod, who mentioned her in his work "Theogony."

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Phoebe dates back to the 4th century BC, when it was borne by Phoebe of Cyzicus, a Greek philosopher and mathematician. Another notable figure named Phoebe from ancient times was Phoebe of Corinth, a Christian woman mentioned in the Bible's Book of Romans, who was a deacon in the church of Cenchreae.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Phoebe, including:

1. Phoebe Cary (1824-1871), an American poet and the younger sister of Alice Cary, also a poet.
2. Phoebe Apperson Hearst (1842-1919), an American philanthropist and the mother of William Randolph Hearst, the famous newspaper publisher.
3. Phoebe Waller-Bridge (born 1985), an English actress, writer, and producer, best known for creating and starring in the TV series "Fleabag."
4. Phoebe Snetsinger (1931-1999), an American birdwatcher and author, known for her contributions to the field of ornithology.
5. Phoebe Putnam (1760-1835), an American heroine during the American Revolutionary War, who helped save the life of her husband and a group of soldiers by distracting British troops.

The name Phoebe has maintained its popularity throughout various periods in history, reflecting its connection to ancient Greek mythology and its association with themes of radiance, beauty, and the natural world.

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

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

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