What Does the Name Phoenix Mean?
Phoenix is a unisex name of Greek origin meaning “dark red (the mythical firebird).”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Phoenix |
|---|---|
| Gender | unisex |
| Origin | Greek |
| Meaning | dark red (the mythical firebird) |
| Variants | Fenix, Phoenyx, Phenix |
| Popularity | A rising modern name in the US for both sexes since the 2000s, used in roughly comparable numbers for boys and girls. |
The meaning and origin of Phoenix
The name Phoenix means “dark red (the mythical firebird)” and has Greek origins. From the Greek Phoinix, the name of the mythical bird that is reborn from its ashes, ultimately linked to a word meaning 'dark red' or 'purple.' It has become a modern given name for both sexes, symbolizing renewal.
Variants and related names
Phoenix is related to several other names you may recognize: Fenix, Phoenyx, Phenix. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Phoenix?
A rising modern name in the US for both sexes since the 2000s, used in roughly comparable numbers for boys and girls.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Phoenix mean?+
The name Phoenix means “dark red (the mythical firebird)” and is of Greek origin.
What is the origin of the name Phoenix?+
Phoenix originates from Greek.
Is Phoenix a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Phoenix has trended in the US over time.
Phoenix by gender
More unisex names
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