What Does the Name Phoebe Mean?
Phoebe is a girl's name of Greek origin meaning “Bright, radiant.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Phoebe |
|---|---|
| Gender | female |
| Origin | Greek |
| Meaning | Bright, radiant |
| Variants | Phebe, Febe, Phoebie |
| Popularity | A well-loved classic in the UK and Australia (often top 100) and steadily climbing in the US top 250-300. |
The meaning and origin of Phoebe
The name Phoebe means “Bright, radiant” and has Greek origins. From Greek Phoibe, meaning 'bright' or 'radiant,' the name of a Titaness associated with the moon and an epithet of Artemis. It also appears in the New Testament as an early Christian deaconess.
Variants and related names
Phoebe is related to several other names you may recognize: Phebe, Febe, Phoebie. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Phoebe?
A well-loved classic in the UK and Australia (often top 100) and steadily climbing in the US top 250-300.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Phoebe mean?+
The name Phoebe means “Bright, radiant” and is of Greek origin.
What is the origin of the name Phoebe?+
Phoebe originates from Greek.
Is Phoebe a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Phoebe has trended in the US over time.
Phoebe by gender
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Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press