NameCensus.

UK girl's name

Phebee

A feminine name of Greek origin meaning "bright, radiant".

For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2012. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.

Phebee is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Phebee popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2012 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5876, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2012, with 3 births.

This profile covers 3 England and Wales registrations across 1 recorded years from 2012 to 2012. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.

Phebee is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.

We estimate that about 3 living people in the UK are called Phebee. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2013 or 2026.

Key insights

  • Phebee ranked #5876 for girls in England and Wales in 2012, with 3 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2012, when 3 girls were registered as Phebee.
  • About 3 living people in the UK are estimated to have Phebee as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#5876

2012

Births in 2012

3

Latest year

Peak year

2012

3 births

Estimated living

3

2026

Meaning

What does Phebee mean?

The name Phebee originates from the Greek language and culture, with its roots dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek word "phoibos," which means "bright" or "radiant." The name is closely associated with the Greek god Apollo, who was often referred to as "Phoebus Apollo" or "Phoebus," meaning "the radiant one."

In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of light, music, poetry, and prophecy. He was revered for his ability to bring enlightenment and wisdom to mortals. The name Phebee, therefore, carries a connotation of brilliance, beauty, and divine knowledge.

The earliest recorded use of the name Phebee can be traced back to ancient Greek texts and inscriptions. One of the notable historical figures with this name was Phebee of Corinth, a prominent female philosopher who lived in the 4th century BC. She was renowned for her teachings on ethics and virtue.

Another notable figure was Phebee of Ephesus, mentioned in the New Testament's Book of Romans. She was a deaconess in the early Christian church and was highly regarded for her service and dedication to the faith.

In the Middle Ages, the name Phebee was relatively rare, but it resurfaced during the Renaissance period. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Phebee Ann Hathaway, an English writer and poet who lived from 1786 to 1856. She was known for her literary works and her advocacy for women's rights.

During the 19th century, Phebee gained popularity in the United States. One notable figure was Phebee Cary, an American poet and abolitionist who lived from 1824 to 1871. She was celebrated for her poems that addressed social injustice and the plight of enslaved individuals.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Phebee Judson, an American missionary and writer who lived from 1803 to 1845. She was renowned for her work in Burma (now Myanmar) and her memoirs, which provided insights into the challenges and triumphs of missionary life.

While the name Phebee may not be as common today as it once was, it continues to carry a rich historical legacy and a connection to Greek culture and mythology. Its meaning of radiance and enlightenment has resonated throughout the ages, making it a unique and meaningful choice for those seeking a name with a deep cultural heritage.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Decades

Phebee by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Phebee was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.

Decade Average rank Total births Years covered
2010s #5876 3 1

Related

Names similar to Phebee

FAQ

Phebee: questions and answers

How popular is the name Phebee in the UK right now?

In 2012, Phebee was ranked #5876 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.

When was Phebee most popular?

The peak year on record was 2012, with 3 babies registered as Phebee in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Phebee?

A feminine name of Greek origin meaning "bright, radiant".

How many people are called Phebee in the UK?

A total of 3 babies have been registered as Phebee across the 1 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.

Which records is this page based on?

The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.