Phoebe is a unique and beautiful name of Greek origin. It means "radiant" or "bright," which is fitting for someone who brings light and positivity into the lives of those around them. The name Phoebe has a rich history, appearing in mythology as the goddess of the moon and in literature as the beloved aunt in "The Catcher in the Rye." However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that Phoebe became popular as a given name. Today, it continues to be a distinctive choice for parents seeking something different but meaningful for their daughter.
The name Phoebe has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past century in the United States. According to the statistics provided, there were only 50 births with the name Phoebe in 1880. However, by 2023, that number had increased to 1580 births.
The most notable period of growth for the name occurred between the years 1994 and 2006. During this time, the number of annual births with the name Phoebe jumped from 248 in 1994 to a peak of 890 in 2006. This represents a significant increase of over 350% in just twelve years.
Since then, the popularity of the name has continued to grow steadily. In fact, the year 2022 saw the highest number of births with the name Phoebe ever recorded, with a total of 1381 newborn girls named Phoebe.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that the name Phoebe has become increasingly popular in the United States over time, with its peak popularity occurring relatively recently. This trend suggests that the name may continue to be a favorite among parents for years to come.