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Phoebe

What does Phoebe mean?

Phoebe Pronunciation of Phoebe as a girls' name is pronounced FEE-bee. It is of Greek origin, and the meaning of Phoebe 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. Also form of Euphemia.

STARTS WITH Ph-

ASSOCIATED WITH greek, biblical, mythology, spring, bird, 18th century, modern, fictional (literary), snow (white)

Variations

VARIANTS Febe, Pheabe, Phebe, Pheby, Phoebey, Phoeboe

SEE ALSO Fiby

MASCULINE FORM Phoebus

CREATIVE FORMS
(female)

(male)


MIDDLE NAME PAIRINGS
Phoebe Remy (P.R.), ..

How popular is Phoebe?

Phoebe is a very popular first name for females (#949 out of 4276, Top 22%) but a rare last name for all people. (2000 U.S. DEMOGRAPHICS)

Phoebe reached its highest position of #246 in the U.S. in the 1880s, and is at #320 presently. (2018 U.S. SSA RECORDS)

Top 2000 baby names ranking of Phoebe name in U.S.

Top 100 baby names ranking of Phoebe outside U.S.

Which version is better?

Popular alternative forms of Phoebe (#320 IN 2018) appearing in the Top 2000 are Euphemia and Phebe. Adoption of these forms of Phoebe was widespread among parents during the years 1880-1889 (AVERAGE #537) and is almost as widespread today (#1440, 12%), but with the form Phebe becoming somewhat outmoded. Phoebe is the clear favorite.



Top 2000 baby names ranking of Phoebe, Euphemia, Phebe in U.S.

Top 100 baby names ranking of Phoebe outside U.S.

Similar Names

Recommended sound-alike names are Bebe, Bobbe, Hebe, Niobe, Peele, Penee, Phaedre, Phanie, Phedre, Phemie, Philene, Phoenix, Pipere, Thisbe and Tobe. These names tend to be less commonly used than Phoebe.

See names
in meaning and etymology.


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