Phinneas is a unique and uncommon name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "phainein," which means "to shine" or "to appear." The name Phinneas is associated with the biblical figure of the same name, who was one of the spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land.
Phinneas first appears in the Old Testament book of Numbers, where he is introduced as a descendant of Ephraim and the son of Eleazar. Alongside Caleb, Phinneas was one of the two spies who brought back a positive report about the land of Canaan, despite the fears and doubts expressed by their fellow Israelites.
Throughout history, the name Phinneas has been used sporadically, often within families that were well-versed in biblical history or had Greek influences. However, it remains relatively uncommon today, with fewer than 100 individuals bearing this name in most English-speaking countries at any given time.
In terms of its usage and popularity over time, Phinneas has not followed a consistent pattern. While some periods may see an uptick in its use due to cultural influences or trends, it generally remains outside the mainstream of popular baby names. As such, those who choose this name often do so for its uniqueness and biblical significance.
In summary, Phinneas is a rare Greek-derived name with strong biblical ties. Its meaning, "to shine" or "to appear," offers an appealing symbolism for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child. Despite its rarity, the name Phinneas continues to be appreciated by those who appreciate its history and significance.
Phinneas is an uncommon yet distinctive name that has seen fluctuations in its popularity over the past decade and a half in the United States. Between 2007 and 2022, there have been a total of 137 babies named Phinneas at birth.
The year with the highest number of births for this name was 2011, with 17 newborns being given the name Phinneas. This was closely followed by 2018 and 2022, both years having 9 births each. On the other hand, the years with the lowest occurrences were 2007 with only 7 births and 2014 with just 6.
It's interesting to observe the trend over time. From 2007 to 2011, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Phinneas, peaking at 17 births in 2011. However, between 2012 and 2015, there was a decline, with only 6 or 8 births each year. After 2015, the name's popularity picked up again, with 7 births in 2017, followed by 9 births both in 2018 and 2022.
Despite these fluctuations, Phinneas remains a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet memorable name for their child. It will be fascinating to see if this trend continues or changes in the coming years.