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Name meaning

Phoebe Name Meaning - Bright (Greek)

Meaning
Bright, shining
Origin
Greek
Gender
Girl
Pronunciation
FO-E-BE

Phoebe means "Bright, shining" (Greek). Phoebe is a girl name from Greek meaning "Bright." Phoebe is a Greek name meaning bright or shining — an epithet of Artemis as the moon goddess.

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Meaning and Linguistic Breakdown

Phoebe is a girl name from Greek meaning "Bright." Phoebe is a Greek name meaning bright or shining — an epithet of Artemis as the moon goddess.

Origin and Historical Usage

Phoebe is a Greek name meaning bright or shining — an epithet of Artemis as the moon goddess. In Greek mythology, Phoebe was a Titan goddess and grandmother of Apollo and Artemis. Phoebe Buffay from Friends has made this name both funny and beloved. Parents who choose Phoebe often cite sound and family heritage as much as dictionary meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

Phonetic
FO-E-BE
Syllables
2

Geographic and Cultural Usage

Outside Greek countries, Phoebe is often chosen for diaspora identity or because the meaning "Bright" fits a naming theme. Pronunciation follows local accent rules.

Popularity

Ranked #16 in our dataset. Compare with your country's official baby-name tables before deciding on rarity.

Notable People Named Phoebe

  • P
    Phoebe Buffay (Friends)
  • P
    Phoebe Tonkin
  • P
    Phoebe Waller-Bridge
  • P
    Phoebe Bridgers

Variants and Related Names

Spelling variants

  • Phœbe — alternate form of Phoebe
  • Febe — alternate form of Phoebe
  • Pheobe — alternate form of Phoebe

Frequently Asked Questions about Phoebe

What does Phoebe mean?
Phoebe means "Bright, shining" in Greek tradition. Phoebe is a girl name from Greek meaning "Bright." Phoebe is a Greek name meaning bright or shining — an epithet of Artemis as the moon goddess.
How do you pronounce Phoebe?
Phoebe is pronounced FO-E-BE (2 syllables).
What language is Phoebe from?
Phoebe comes from Greek. Phoebe is a Greek name meaning bright or shining — an epithet of Artemis as the moon goddess.
Is Phoebe a boy or girl name?
Phoebe is primarily used as a girl's name.
What does Phoebe mean in English?
English references usually translate Phoebe as "Bright, shining." It is not an English word; the gloss comes from Greek.
Is Phoebe a rare name?
Ranked #16 in our dataset. Compare with your country's official baby-name tables before deciding on rarity.
What is the origin of the name Phoebe?
Phoebe is a Greek name meaning bright or shining — an epithet of Artemis as the moon goddess. In Greek mythology, Phoebe was a Titan goddess and grandmother of Apollo and Artemis. Phoebe Buffay from Friends has made this name both funny and beloved. Parents who choose Phoebe often cite sound and family heritage as much as dictionary meaning.
What are variants of Phoebe?
Documented forms include: Phœbe; Febe; Pheobe.
Who are famous people named Phoebe?
Notable bearers include Phoebe Buffay (Friends), Phoebe Tonkin, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Phoebe Bridgers.

Sibling Name Ideas

Chloe Zoe Daphne Thea

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Names with Similar Meaning or Origin

Daphne
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"Laurel tree"
Thea
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"Goddess; gift of God"
Zoe
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"Life"
Elena
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"Bright, shining light"
Phaedra
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"Bright"
Chloe
Greek
"Blooming, green shoot"
Argos
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"Bright, watchful"
Castor
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"Beaver, shining"