Phoebe
Fact sheet
- Name
- Phoebe
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
Phoebe represents the Latinized variant of the ancient Greek name Phoíbē (Φοίβη). The name is derived from the ancient Greek word phoîbos (φοῖβος), which means 'bright, radiant, shining, pure.' Thus, Phoebe carries the meaning 'the Radiant' or 'the Shining.'
What does the name Phoebe mean?
The Latinized form Phoebe comes from the ancient Greek name Phoíbē (Φοίβη) and has its origin in the ancient Greek word phoîbos (φοῖβος), which means 'bright, radiant, shining, pure.' In the Bible, there is a deaconess named Phoebe who lived in Corinth and is now venerated as a saint. In Greek mythology, Phoibe is a Titaness and the grandmother of the moon goddess Artemis. The name is frequently used in the English-speaking world as well as in Germany, where it is less common. The pronunciation is often uncertain (English [fi:bi]). In the French language, the name can also be written as Phoebé or Phbé. Notable bearers of the name include American musician Phoebe Bridgers and actresses Phoebe Cates, Phoebe Dynevor, and Phoebe Tonkin. Variants of Phoebe include Febe, Fibi, Fiby, Phebe, Phibie, and Phöbe.
Where does the name Phoebe come from?
Phoebe is a female first name of Greek origin that carries the meaning 'the Radiant' or 'the Shining.'
How do you pronounce Phoebe?
The pronunciation of Phoebe is two syllables and has a pleasant sound. In German pronunciation, the name is usually pronounced in English as 'Fi-bi' [ˈfiːbi], with the long I sound conveying a certain brightness. The gentle repetition of the syllables creates a rhythmic impression. Phoebe radiates a modern and elegant note through its clear sound sequence and appears feminine, light, and international.
When is the name day of Phoebe?
The name day of Phoebe is celebrated on September 3rd in honor of Saint Phoebe.
Popularity
In Germany, Phoebe is a fairly popular first name, currently ranking 710th on the list of the most common female baby names. The name reached its highest ranking in 2008 at 322nd place. Over the last ten years, Phoebe has been chosen as a first name about 620 times, placing it 723rd in the statistics for the last ten years. From 2010 to 2024, the name ranks 746th.
Nicknames & pet names
Biby / Föb / Phe / Pheb / Phebey / Phee / Pheebs / Pheoby / Phibo / Phil / Phips / Phoeb / Phoebebee / Phoebi / Phoebienchen / Phoebs
Similar first names
Famous people
- Hilda Phoebe Hudson (mathematician from England)
- Phoebe (a moon of Saturn)
- Phoebe (Phoibe) of Kenchreä (deaconess of the early Christian community in Greece)
- Phoebe Amelia Watson (Canadian painter)
- Phoebe Ann Laub (American singer & actress)
- Phoebe Anna Traquair (Irish artist)
- Phoebe Atwood Taylor (American writer)
- Phoebe Boswell (English artist)
- Phoebe Brand (American actress)
- Phoebe Buffay (character in the sitcom Friends)
- Phoebe Carrai (American musician)
- Phoebe Cary (writer from the USA)
- Phoebe Cates (actress (Gremlins))
- Phoebe Davies (British actress)
- Phoebe Dollar (American actress)
- Phoebe Dunn (American photographer)
- Phoebe Dynevor (English actress)
- Phoebe Eng (American writer)
- Phoebe Fox (British actress)
- Phoebe Gilman (writer from America)
Frequently asked questions about the name Phoebe
What does the name Phoebe mean?
Phoebe means 'the Radiant' or 'the Shining' and has Greek roots. The name is associated with brightness and purity.
How is the name Phoebe pronounced?
The English pronunciation of Phoebe is often [fi:bi]. In other languages, the pronunciation may vary.
Are there alternative spellings or variants of the name?
Yes, alternative spellings of the name Phoebe include Febe, Fibi, Fiby, Phebe, and Phöbe.
What nicknames are common for Phoebe?
Common nicknames for Phoebe include Biby, Phe, Phebey, and Phoebs. These pet names offer a loving abbreviation of the full name.