ChristianNames.org Saved

Name at a glance

Phoebe

Phoebe is a Greek name usually understood as bright, radiant, or shining.

Ranked #157 in US baby names in 2025, rising over the past 5 years.

Phoebe appears in Romans as a woman commended by Paul, giving the name a strong early church association despite its gentle sound.

Browse names
OriginGreek
GenderGirl
FeelBright
PronunciationFEE-bee

Is Phoebe biblical?

Yes

Biblical status Direct biblical person

Phoebe is a named person in Scripture, commended by Paul in Romans 16 as a deacon of the church at Cenchreae.

Is Phoebe a Christian name?

Used by Christians, not distinctively

Christian tradition Christian cultural usage

Phoebe is a minor New Testament name in vintage Christian use, with modest saint commemoration but no foundational or major saint tradition.

Plain answer

Phoebe is a New Testament figure named in Romans and a biblical name in vintage Christian use, without a deep church-naming tradition.

Confidence Moderate Last reviewed July 19, 2026 How this works

Meaning

The meaning of Phoebe

Phoebe comes from a Greek word connected with brightness or radiance. Its literal meaning gives the name a luminous feel, while its New Testament use gives it Christian depth.

Early church

Phoebe in Romans

Phoebe is mentioned in Romans 16, where Paul commends her to the Roman Christians. The reference is short, but it suggests respect, service, and trust.

Because many New Testament women are unnamed, Phoebe's named commendation has made the name especially interesting to Christian readers.

Sound

How to pronounce Phoebe

Phonetic
FEE-bee
IPA
/ˈfiːbi/

2 syllables · stress: FEE-bee · ends in a vowel

Forms

Variants and nicknames

Alternate spellings

  • Phebe
  • Foebe
  • Phoibe
  • Fibi

Short forms and nicknames

  • Fee
  • Bee

Languages

Phoebe in other languages

Greek
ΦοίβηPhoibē
Latin
Phoebe
Spanish
Febe
French
Phébé
German
Phöbe
Italian
Febe
Russian
ФиваFiva

Christian background

Christian and biblical background

Phoebe is not one of the most common biblical names, but it has a clear New Testament basis. It sits well among names connected with early Christian communities, service, and faithful support.

Scripture

The biblical figure

Phoebe is commended by Paul in Romans 16. She is associated with the church at Cenchreae and with service in the early Christian community.

Bearers

Notable people named Phoebe

  • biblical

    PhoebeDeacon of the church at Cenchreae and bearer of Paul's letter to Rome, commended in Romans 16:1-2

  • historical

    Phoebe CaryAmerican poet and hymn-writer, 1824 to 1871

  • modern

    Phoebe CatesAmerican actress known for Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Gremlins, born 1963

  • modern

    Phoebe Waller-BridgeEnglish actress, writer, and creator of Fleabag and Killing Eve, born 1985

  • modern

    Phoebe BridgersAmerican singer-songwriter, born 1994

Saint

Saint Phoebe of Cenchreae

Traditions
Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican

Orthodox tradition honors Phoebe as a deaconess of the early church and the woman who carried Paul's letter to the Romans (Romans 16:1-2). The Roman Martyrology also commemorates her.

Naming history

Naming tradition and history

Phoebe has moved in and out of English-speaking use. Today it feels vintage, bright, and distinctive while still being easy to pronounce.

Recent US use

Phoebe in recent US use

Rank in 2025
#157
Peak rank
#157 in 2025
Recent trend
rising over the last 5 years
Years in the SSA records
146 (since 1880)

Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.

Sibling fit

Sibling name suggestions

For families

For families looking at Phoebe

For a Christian family, Phoebe offers a less common biblical name with a clear meaning and a documented early church role.

Common questions

What does Phoebe mean?

Phoebe is usually understood as bright, radiant, or shining.

Is Phoebe a biblical name?

Yes. Phoebe appears in Romans 16.

Is Phoebe a Christian name?

Yes. Phoebe has a New Testament connection and long Christian use.

Sources

Sources for Phoebe

  • A Greek-English Lexicon, Liddell, Scott, and JonesSupports: Greek etymology (Phoibe, bright or radiant); meaning.
  • The Epistle to the Romans, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figure (deacon of Cenchreae, Romans 16:1).
  • The Oxford Dictionary of Saints, David Hugh Farmer (5th edition)Supports: Saint Phoebe of Cenchreae (Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican); feast day (September 3).

Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.

Read next

Related names

LydiaBoth are New Testament women named with substantive roles; Lydia hosts the Philippian church, Phoebe carries the letter to Rome (Romans 16:1-2).GraceBoth are gentle Christian girls' names with strong devotional substance; Phoebe's Greek 'bright/radiant' meaning pairs naturally with Grace's direct virtue framing.MaryBoth are New Testament women whose names became enduring Christian girls' names; Phoebe in the early church, Mary in continuous use ever since.ClareBoth share a 'bright/radiant' meaning family; Phoebe from Greek phoibe, Clare from Latin clarus.