Phoebe is a female given name of Greek origin that means "radiant" or "bright." It is derived from the ancient Greek word "phōbos," which translates to "bright" or "shining." The name Phoebe has been used throughout history, with one notable figure being Phoebe of Elim, who was mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible as a deaconess. In Roman mythology, Phoebe was also the name of the goddess of the moon.
The name Phoebe gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 19th century, and it has remained popular ever since. It has consistently been among the top 1000 names for girls in the United States since record-keeping began. The name Phoebe is often associated with a sense of warmth, intelligence, and creativity.
Some famous individuals named Phoebe include:
* Phoebe Cates, an American actress known for her role in the movie "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"
* Phoebe Philo, a British fashion designer who served as the creative director of the luxury brand Céline from 2008 to 2015
* Phoebe Bridgers, an American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Overall, the name Phoebe is a beautiful and meaningful choice for a girl, with a rich history dating back to ancient Greece. Its radiant meaning continues to resonate today, making it a popular choice among parents looking for a name that signifies brightness and positivity.
Phoebe is a unique and distinctive name that has seen some popularity over the years, particularly in the early 21st century. According to the United States Social Security Administration's data on baby names, Phoebe was given to five newborn girls in the year 2004.
This figure reflects a slight decrease from previous years, as there were six babies named Phoebe in both 2003 and 2005. However, it is important to note that even with this variation in popularity, Phoebe remains relatively uncommon compared to other names. In fact, out of the approximately four million births recorded annually in the United States, only five girls were named Phoebe in 2004.
This data suggests that parents who choose the name Phoebe for their daughters are looking for something unique and memorable, as they are bucking trends towards more popular names. While it may not be among the most common names given to newborns each year, the consistent presence of Phoebe on the Social Security Administration's list shows that there is a steady appreciation for this distinctive moniker.
In conclusion, while Phoebe is not one of the most frequently used names in the United States, its appearance on the annual baby name lists demonstrates that it holds a special place among parents who seek to give their daughters an uncommon and captivating name.