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Phaedra
Pronounced FAY-drah /ˈfeɪ.drɑ/Medium
Meaning: From Greek Phaidra, 'bright, radiant, beaming' (from phaidros, 'bright')Medium
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
Phaedra comes from Greek Phaidra, 'bright, radiant, beaming' (from phaidros, 'bright'). In Greek myth, Phaedra was the tragic wife of Theseus, immortalized in the tragedies of Euripides and Racine. A lyrical, dramatic, classic name (said 'FAY-drah'; nickname Faye).
In the U.S. it appears in Greek and literary families. Rare, bright-and-radiant at the root, and dramatic.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Phaedra mean?
Phaedra is Greek for 'bright, radiant, beaming'.
How do you pronounce Phaedra?
It's said FAY-drah /ˈfeɪ.drɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Phaedra a boy or girl name?
Phaedra is a girl's name.
How popular is Phaedra?
Phaedra is a rare name in the U.S.