Phaedra is a unique and captivating name of Greek origin. It comes from the ancient Greek word "phaidros," which means "radiant" or "shining." This moniker was borne by several characters in Greek mythology, most notably Phaedra, the second wife of King Theseus of Athens.
In the mythological tale, Phaedra fell deeply in love with her stepson, Hippolytus. Despite her attempts to resist this forbidden love, she eventually confessed her feelings to him. However, Hippolytus rejected her advances, which ultimately led to tragic consequences for both parties involved. This story has been immortalized in works such as Euripides' play "Hippolytus," and the tragic tale of Phaedra continues to captivate audiences today.
Throughout history, Phaedra has been adopted by various cultures and has appeared in literature, art, and music. For instance, it is the title of a novel by the French writer Jean Racine, which explores the story of Phaedra's ill-fated love for Hippolytus.
Today, Phaedra remains an uncommon yet enchanting name, perfect for those seeking a distinctive moniker with deep historical and cultural roots. Its unique sound and captivating origin make it a fascinating choice for parents looking to bestow their child with a remarkable name that stands out from the crowd.
The name Phaedra has seen a varied number of births over the years in the United States, with notable fluctuations from year to year. Between 1963 and 2023, there have been a total of 1864 babies named Phaedra born in the US.
In the early years, the name's popularity was more pronounced. The highest number of births occurred in 1971 with 96 newborns named Phaedra. This trend continued into the late 1970s, with a high of 78 births in 1972.
However, from the early 1980s onwards, the name's popularity began to decline significantly. By the mid-1990s, fewer than 20 babies were being named Phaedra each year. This trend has persisted into the current decade, with the number of births ranging between 15 and 37 annually since 2012.
Despite this decrease in popularity, Phaedra remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking to give their child an uncommon moniker. It's fascinating to observe how trends in naming can change over time, as reflected in these statistics.