Phoebe

Updated: October 6, 2023 by Olivia Mittak

The first individual you may think of when you hear the name Phoebe is Phoebe Buffay on “Friends”. Though this show is more modern, the name Phoebe has been around since ancient Greece. It was actually the nickname for the goddess Artemis.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Phoebe:

Phoebe was the Greek version of the baby name Phoibos in Latin. Phoibos also meant bright. The Greek people used the name Phoebe as a nickname for the goddess Artemis. It grew in popularity through the Christian church as Phoebe was a deaconess, but in more recent years, Phoebe became popular due to the show “Friends”. The name means “radiant, shining one, bright”.

Symbolism of the Name Phoebe:

In Greek mythology, Artemis was a prized goddess as she was ruler over the hunt and moon and was one of the most powerful. Phoebe became an appropriate name for Artemis as the moon gives the light in the darkness.

Nicknames for the Name Phoebe:

Phoebe has a lot of cute nicknames associated with it! Names like P.B. and Bumblebee are absolutely adorable. If you want something more classic, there are options for that too. Check out the full list:

Fee
Febes
Febe
Fifi
Phee
Pheebs
Bee
BB
Pho
Eve
P.B.
Pea
Bumblebee

Style of the Name Phoebe:

Classical

Gender of the Name Phoebe:

Phoebe is a name used for girls.

Pronunciation of the Name Phoebe:

FEE-bee

Number of Syllables in the Name Phoebe:

Two

Emotion Evoked From the Name Phoebe:

Phoebe is a baby name that feels playful and young. It is kind-hearted and natural as well.

Alternative Spellings for the Name Phoebe:

Phebe
Pheobe
Pheby
Phebe
Feby
Fhebe

Popularity of the Name Phoebe:

The baby name Phoebe has had years where it was on the top 1,000 list of the Social Security Index and years where it was not. The highest this name has ranked is in the top 250 list. This has only occurred in the past year, with Phoebe ranking at number 214 in 2022.