Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Phineas
BoyHebrew, Egyptian· “uncertain; possibly the Nubian”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly the Nubian (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Hebrew, Egyptian
- Pronunciation
- FIH-nee-uhs
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,616
- US babies 2025
- 105
- Best rank
- #1,030 (1880)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Phineas
Phineas is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly the Nubian”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew and Egyptian roots.
The origin of Phineas is debated. It comes from the biblical Phinehas, a priest and grandson of Aaron, and the name is often linked to an Egyptian word meaning the Nubian, though that derivation is not certain. The name was used by English Puritans and later in America, where it became associated with the showman P. T. Barnum, whose first name was Phineas. Anthony Trollope gave it literary weight with his novel Phineas Finn. Today it has a quirky, vintage charm, and Finn and Phin make easy, modern-sounding nicknames.
Popularity over time
Phineas has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,030 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 2016, when 142 were named Phineas. In 2025, 105 babies were named Phineas, and it ranked #1,616 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,169 in 1920, #4,069 in 1950, #7,017 in 1980, #3,204 in 2000, #1,248 in 2010, and #1,616 in 2025. Of the 2,803 US boys named Phineas since records began, 42% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 678 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Aaryan, Mikhail, Eder, Salman, and Mathis.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Phineas ranked highest in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #1005 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #1201 | 6 |
| Ohio | #1224 | 6 |
| New York | #1527 | 7 |
| California | #1661 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Phineas is usually pronounced FIH-nee-uhs, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with P and ends in “-as”.
Middle names for Phineas
A few middle names that flow with Phineas: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Phineas
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Lists that include Phineas
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Phineas mean?
Phineas is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly the Nubian”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew and Egyptian roots.
What is the origin of the name Phineas?
Phineas has Hebrew and Egyptian roots. The origin of Phineas is debated.
Is Phineas a popular name?
Not especially. Phineas ranked #1,616 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Phineas a boy or girl name?
Phineas is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Phineas?
Phineas is usually pronounced FIH-nee-uhs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings