Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Phoenix
UnisexGreek· “mythical firebird; dark red”
- Meaning
- mythical firebird; dark red
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- FEE-niks
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #329
- US babies 2025
- 1,027
- Best rank
- #236 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2020
Meaning and origin of Phoenix
Phoenix is a Greek name that means “mythical firebird; dark red”.
Phoenix comes from the Greek phoinix, a word for the legendary bird that burns and rises again from its own ashes, as well as for a deep red or purple color and the date palm. In Greek myth, Phoenix was also the name of the old tutor of Achilles who appears in the Iliad. The firebird became a lasting symbol of renewal, and the capital of Arizona took the name for the same reason. As a given name Phoenix is modern, bold and used for both boys and girls. It suits parents drawn to names that tell a story of resilience.
Famous parents who chose Phoenix: Paris Hilton and Carter Reum (2023). More celebrity baby names
Popularity over time
Phoenix first appears in US Social Security records in 1968. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 30 different years, starting in 1995. Its best national rank was #236 in 2020, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,534 babies. In 2025, 1,027 babies were named Phoenix, and it ranked #329 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #878 in 2000, #376 in 2010, and #329 in 2025. Of the 24,571 US boys named Phoenix since records began, 43% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 7,843 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Remington, Reign, Royal, Armani, and Memphis.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Phoenix ranked highest in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Delaware.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #178 | 18 |
| Oklahoma | #185 | 27 |
| Delaware | #196 | 6 |
| West Virginia | #223 | 9 |
| Rhode Island | #225 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Phoenix is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 39% of US babies named Phoenix were girls and 61% were boys.
Phoenix is usually pronounced FEE-niks, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with P and ends in “-ix”.
Middle names for Phoenix
A few middle names that flow with Phoenix: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Phoenix
Similar names
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Phoebe Girl
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Kyrie Boy
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Lists that include Phoenix
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Phoenix mean?
Phoenix is a Greek name that means “mythical firebird; dark red”.
What is the origin of the name Phoenix?
Phoenix has Greek roots. Phoenix comes from the Greek phoinix, a word for the legendary bird that burns and rises again from its own ashes, as well as for a deep red or purple color and the date palm.
Is Phoenix a popular name?
Yes. Phoenix ranked #329 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Phoenix a boy or girl name?
Phoenix is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 39% of US babies named Phoenix were girls and 61% were boys.
How do you pronounce Phoenix?
Phoenix is usually pronounced FEE-niks. 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