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 experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. Starting with just 50 births in 1880, it peaked at 1580 births in 2023, a total of 40,104 births over the course of 143 years. There were several periods of notable increase: around 1917-1924 (peaking at 227 births), another spike from 1989 to 1995 (from 189 to 527 births), and a substantial rise from 1999 onwards, culminating in the current popularity. Overall, Phoebe has become quite popular, with over 1000 births per year since 2006.