Declining since 2020, #329 for boys today.
Popularity of Phoenix since 1968
Babies named Phoenix per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 0 | 5 |
| 1970s | 104 | 10 |
| 1980s | 148 | 32 |
| 1990s | 764 | 972 |
| 2000s | 2,820 | 5,086 |
| 2010s | 6,877 | 10,623 |
| 2020s | 5,351 | 7,843 |
Meaning & origin
Phoenix first appeared as a given name in the United States in 1968, and its use has steadily grown over the decades. By 2020, it reached its peak rank, reflecting a broader trend of mythological and nature-inspired names. However, it has been falling in popularity since 2020, likely as naming cycles shift. The name is particularly favored in Delaware, Mississippi, and Rhode Island. Its universal appeal lies in its powerful symbolism and modern sound, making it a distinctive choice that has transcended its mythical origins to become a contemporary classic.
Phoenix derives from the Greek word 'phoinix', referring to the legendary bird that cyclically regenerates from its own ashes. The name entered English usage in the mid-20th century, initially as a surname and later as a given name. Its association with the city of Phoenix, Arizona, also contributed to its adoption as a modern first name.
Where Phoenix is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Phoenix” around the world
Where Phoenix lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
New Zealand
19
babies in 2025
Quebec
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nix, Pho
Sibling names for Phoenix
Names that share Phoenix's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aurora, Nova, Ember, Sage, Willow, Aspen, Echo, Egypt, Halo, Havana, Isis, Lyra, Raven, Ravyn, Selene, Star, Starr, Stormi, Artemis, Berlin, Cyan, Eris, Jupiter, Kansas, Lotus, Mahogany, Persephone, Rain, Rayven, Rebel, Sahara, Sedona, Sicily, Tempest, Tequila, Wrenleigh, Albany, Atlanta, Atlantis, Brazil, Canary, Galaxy, Gemini, Harmonii, Indica, Infinity, Jurni, Larkyn, Lumen, Mesa, Mystic, Mystique, Oasis, Odyssey, Raevyn, Rainn, Raiven, Riverlynn, Safari, Scotland, Solara, Sparrow, Starlynn, Vega, Aspasia, Astra, California, Cassiopeia, Chalice, Demonica, Eluney, Etoile, Fable, Genesys, Juneau, Kenosha, Kestrel, Krimson, Lynnex, Lyrical, Morningstar, Phynix, Reighn, Solaris, Sonoma, Tigerlily, Tomorrow, Trezure, Mescal, Tulsa, Alabama, Assyria, Athene, Azuree, Celestial, Crescent, Dreamer, Horizon, Kyrene, Malibu, Miami, Mirage, Palestine, Rayvn, Saturn, Seattle, Seleni, Siren, Starlit, Sunset, Sunshyne, Symphonie, Syren, Topeka, Zeplyn
Brothers: Orion, Jasper, Atlas, Finn, Cyrus, Aries, Blaze, Canyon, Creed, Kashmir, Memphis, Ocean, Omega, Rome, Titan, Zenon, Zephyr, Arrow, Atreyu, Blayze, Cedar, Diesel, Harlem, Jazz, Oakland, Summit, Tiger, Altair, Aquarius, Axyl, Daxx, Demon, Dresden, Falcon, Gryphon, Helios, Hendrixx, Kenyan, Maveric, Montreal, Shady, Sirius, Soul, Taiwan, Tyger, Vegas, Zealand, Zenith, Caliber, Calyx, Chanze, Drako, Dublin, Epic, Hawke, Helio, Khaos, Lenix, Other, Shine, Slayter, Tacoma, Travelle, Chicago, Havoc, Helix, Kaelum, Brixx, Coyote, Dodger, Dragon, Frisco, Furious, Gamble, Jex, Lycan, Musiq, Noctis, Nyxon, Quanta, Rocker, Stylez, Vision, Waco, Zepplin
Names like Phoenix
Names whose popularity has moved with Phoenix's over the last 50 years.
