Phoebe - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's and girl's name Phoebe \pho(e)-be\ is pronounced FEE-bee. It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "bright, radiant". Biblical: a Christian woman who aided Paul and others. Greek mythology: a reference to Phoebus Apollo, the god of light. Name of the first flycatcher to migrate to Wisconsin each spring. The bird gets its name from its call which is a sharp "Phoebe!". The name became more common in the 18th century and is familiar in modern times due to the fictional character Phoebe Buffay on the "Friends" TV series. Singers Phoebe Legere, Phoebe Snow.

Phoebe has 6 variant forms: Febe, Pheabe, Phebe, Pheby, Phoebey and Phoeboe.

For more information, see also the related name Fiby.

Phoebe is a very popular female first name and a very rare surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the girl's name Phoebe. Click here to compare Phoebe with related baby names.