Rising since 2001, #2,572 for boys today.
Popularity of Phinehas since 1997
Babies named Phinehas per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 84 |
| 2010s | 255 |
| 2020s | 234 |
Meaning & origin
Phinehas is a name of deep biblical heritage. It entered the U.S. Social Security data in 1997, reflecting a modest but steady revival of Old Testament names. In 2025, it ranked 2572, given to 1 in 33,492 newborns, its highest ever. This marks a notable upward trajectory since 2001, aligning with a broader trend toward distinctive biblical choices. The name is most popular in Illinois, where it appears among rare but renewed favorites. While still uncommon, Phinehas offers a strong alternative to the more familiar Phineas, carrying the same priestly legacy without the mainstream gloss.
The name Phinehas appears in the Hebrew Bible as the grandson of Aaron and a zealous priest. While its etymology is debated, many scholars link it to the Egyptian name Panehesy, borne by a Semitic official in Egyptian records. In the Bible, Phinehas is noted for stopping a plague by killing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman, earning a covenant of perpetual priesthood. The name has been used among Jewish and Christian communities, but remained rare in English-speaking countries until a modest revival in the late 20th century.
Where Phinehas is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fin, Finn, Finny
Variants: Phineas
Sibling names for Phinehas
Names that share Phinehas's style, for a brother or sister.
