Phoebe - Names
Meaning of the name Phoebe
Gender:
Female
Meaning:
bright, pure (from Greek: phoibos)
History & etymology:
The name Phoebe derives from the Greek word phoibos, meaning bright, shining or pure. Phoebe is a latinized spelling of the original Greek name Phoibe. It had been used in England since the Protestant Reformation and became popular in the 20th century thanks to characters named Phoebe in TV series: Friends and Charmed.
There is a masculine version of the name: Phoebus.
The patron saint of the name is St. Phoebe. She lived in the 1st century in Corinth and was the first female deacon of the church at Cenchreae. She was the one who delivered Paul’s epistle to the Romans to Rome. Her feast day is celebrated on 3rd September.
Alternative spellings & nicknames:
Phebe
Similar names in other languages & name days:
Germany
3rd September: Phoebe
Greece
3rd September: Phoebe, Foivi, Phevos
USA
3rd September: Phoebe, Phebe
Famous people named:
Phoebe Brown (1991-) - English singer
Phoebe Carrai (1955-) - American cellist
Phoebe Cates (1963-) - American actress
Phoebe Gilman (1940 - 2002) - American children’s book author
Phoebe Hesketh (1909 - 2005) - American cartoonist and painter
Phoebe Knapp (1839 - 1908) - American composer
Phoebe Omlie (1902 - 1975) - one of the first female aviators in America
Phoebe Philo (1973-) - English fashion designer
Phebe Thomas (1983-) - British actress
Phoebe Tonkin (1989-) - Australian actress and model
Phoebe Traquair (1852 - 1936) - Irish artist
Fun facts:
Popularity (2015)
USA: 286th
England and Wales: 22nd
Australia: 59th
New Zealand: 64th
Northern Ireland: 45th
Scotland: 95th
Lucky colors: red, brown, violet
Lucky stone: Jasper
Ruling planet: Mercury
Characteristics: adaptable, charismatic, confident, cooperative, cultured, mature
1. A moon of Saturn has been named Phoebe.
2. The name Phoebe has been used in the New Testament in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans.
3. Phoebe is one of the main characters in TV series Charmed.
4. Phoebe is one of the main characters in a popular TV series Friends.
5. Several characters in the Greek Mythology bear the name Phoebe (or, more precisely: Phoibe).
6. Phebe is a character in William Shakespeare’s As You Like It.