Febe

♀ Girl

Pronounced FEH-beh /ˈfɛ.be/Medium

Meaning: Febe is the Spanish, Italian and Dutch form of Phoebe, from Greek phoibe, 'bright, radiant, pure'. Phoibe was a Titan of Greek myth, grandmother of Apollo and Artemis; Phoebe is also named in the New Testament as a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, commended by Paul.Medium

In 30 seconds: A bright, short name: Febe is the Spanish and Italian Phoebe, from Greek for 'radiant' (said 'FEH-beh').

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Origin MediumGreek, Spanish

MeaningFebe is the Spanish, Italian and Dutch form of Phoebe, from Greek phoibe, 'bright, radiant, pure'. Phoibe was a Titan of Greek myth, grandmother of Apollo and Artemis; Phoebe is also named in the New Testament as a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, commended by Paul.

U.S. rank (2024)#16021 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2015

Total births (all-time)≈ 282

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Febe is the Spanish, Italian and Dutch form of Phoebe, from the Greek phoibe — 'bright, radiant, pure'. In Greek myth Phoibe was a Titan associated with the moon and the oracle at Delphi. In the New Testament, Phoebe is named in Paul's letter to the Romans as a deacon of the church at Cenchreae and a benefactor of many — a woman of real standing in the early church. We note both threads honestly (said 'FEH-beh').

It is very rare in the U.S., far behind Phoebe. Bright, brief, and classical.

Did you know? Phoebe — and so Febe — means 'bright' in Greek. The name belongs both to a Titan of myth and to a woman named in the New Testament as a deacon whom Paul commends to the church in Rome (said 'FEH-beh').

Overall data confidence 65%

References — Febe — Spanish/Italian/Dutch Phoebe; Greek 'bright'; NT deacon

Variations

PhoebePhebeFeba

Nicknames

FebBebe

Famous Bearers

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If you like Febe…

Phoebe— the standard English form of this name

Bea— a like short, bright pick

Thea— another crisp Greek-rooted choice

Freya— a similar two-beat classic

Explore names like Febe

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Febe mean?

Febe is a form of Phoebe, from Greek phoibe — 'bright, radiant, pure'.

How do you pronounce Febe?

It's said FEH-beh /ˈfɛ.be/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Febe a boy or girl name?

Febe is a girl's name.

How popular is Febe?

Febe is very rare in the U.S., far behind the Phoebe spelling.