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Phinehas

♂ Boy

Pronounced FIN-ee-us /ˈfɪniəs/High

Meaning: Hebrew name of possible Egyptian origin; most likely meaning 'the Nubian' or 'dark-complexioned,' from Egyptian pa-nehsy; alternatively interpreted as 'mouth of brass' from Hebrew peh + nechoshetMedium

In 30 seconds: Phinehas is a rare biblical Hebrew name of likely Egyptian origin, meaning 'the Nubian' or 'dark-complexioned.' Borne by two prominent Old Testament figures including the zealous grandson of Aaron, it has a commanding, ancient sound closely related to the popular Phineas.
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Origin MediumHebrew, Egyptian
MeaningHebrew name of possible Egyptian origin; most likely meaning 'the Nubian' or 'dark-complexioned,' from Egyptian pa-nehsy; alternatively interpreted as 'mouth of brass' from Hebrew peh + nechoshet
U.S. rank (2024)#3193 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births38 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 531

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202219972024

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

History & Origin

Phinehas (פִּינְחָס, Pinchas) is a Hebrew name most scholars trace to the Egyptian pa-nehsy meaning 'the Nubian' or 'the southerner,' reflecting ancient cultural and ethnic descriptors. Two major Old Testament figures bear this name: Phinehas son of Eleazar, grandson of Aaron the High Priest (Numbers 25), celebrated for his religious zeal; and Phinehas son of Eli the priest (1 Samuel 2–4), condemned for his wickedness — illustrating the name's dramatic biblical range.

The anglicised form Phineas became more familiar in the 19th century through P.T. Barnum (Phineas Taylor Barnum) and has since been used in both literary and popular culture. Phinehas preserves the original Hebrew transliteration more faithfully. It remains rare but has appeal for families seeking a genuinely distinctive biblical name with deep historical weight.

Did you know? Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, is one of the Old Testament's most dramatic figures: the Bible records that he personally ended a plague among the Israelites through a single decisive act of zeal, and was rewarded with a covenant of perpetual priesthood — one of the few such covenants recorded in the Torah.
Overall data confidence 82%
Numbers 25:1–13 (Hebrew Bible) — Primary Old Testament account of Phinehas son of EleazarBrown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon — Pinchas — Etymology connecting Phinehas to Egyptian pa-nehsyBehind the Name — Phinehas — Name usage history and variant forms

Variations

PhineasPinchasPinhasFinehas

Nicknames

FinnFinPhin

Famous Bearers

  • ★Phinehas (c. 13th century BCE)
    Old Testament figure, son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron, a priest of Israel who in Numbers 25 receives a covenant of perpetual priesthood for his act of religious zeal.

If you like Phinehas…

Phineas— the standard anglicised spelling of the same Hebrew name
Matthias— rare biblical name with the same three-syllable ancient gravitas
Thaddeus— rare biblical name with similar weight and antiquity
Lazarus— rare Old Testament-New Testament name with the same biblical depth

Frequently Asked

What does the name Phinehas mean?

Phinehas is a Hebrew name of likely Egyptian origin, most commonly interpreted as 'the Nubian' or 'dark-complexioned,' from the Egyptian pa-nehsy. It has also been translated as 'mouth of brass.'

How do you pronounce Phinehas?

Phinehas is pronounced FIN-ee-us /ˈfɪniəs/ — three syllables with stress on the first, identical to the anglicised form Phineas.

Is Phinehas a boy or girl name?

Phinehas is used exclusively as a boy's name, following its biblical tradition as a masculine priestly name.

How popular is Phinehas?

Phinehas is a rare name. The related form Phineas is more common, boosted by P.T. Barnum and the Disney character. Phinehas itself remains a distinctive choice for parents who want the original Hebrew spelling.