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    The first name Phoenix

    A unisex name from Greek.

    Pronounced /ˈfiːnɪks/ 2 syllables Unisex Also a surname

    Meaning and origin

    Greek origin

    From Latin phoenīx, Phoenīx, from Ancient Greek φοῖνῐξ (phoînĭx), Φοῖνῐξ (Phoînĭx). The British surname is a respelled variant of Fenwicks (pronounced /fɛnɪks/).

    From Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).

    Popularity

    Babies registered in England and Wales, 1996–2025

    In 2025, 158 boys were named Phoenix, making it the 287th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2021, with 324 births (#164).

    0200400 1996200020052010201520202025
    GirlsBoys
    5,659
    babies named Phoenix, 1996–2025
    #287
    rank in 2025
    2021
    peak year

    Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Phoenix with other names.

    Popularity in the United States

    Babies named Phoenix at birth, 1880–2025

    In 2025, 1,027 boys born in the United States were named Phoenix, the 329th most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 2020, when 1,534 were.

    01,0002,000 188018851890189519001905191019151920192519301935194019451950195519601965197019751980198519901995200020052010201520202025
    GirlsBoys
    40,635
    babies named Phoenix since 1880
    #329
    rank in 2025
    2020
    peak year

    US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

    Famous people named Phoenix

    2 on Wikidata, most written-about first

    • Phoenix Jones
      American martial artist, born 1988
    • Pheonix Copley
      American ice hockey player, born 1992

    More Greek unisex names

    All 347 names of Greek origin

    Questions

    What does the name Phoenix mean?
    From Latin phoenīx, Phoenīx, from Ancient Greek φοῖνῐξ (phoînĭx), Φοῖνῐξ (Phoînĭx). The British surname is a respelled variant of Fenwicks (pronounced /fɛnɪks/).
    What is the origin of the name Phoenix?
    From Latin phoenīx, Phoenīx, from Ancient Greek φοῖνῐξ (phoînĭx), Φοῖνῐξ (Phoînĭx). The British surname is a respelled variant of Fenwicks (pronounced /fɛnɪks/).
    How popular is the name Phoenix?
    In 2025, 158 boys born in England and Wales were named Phoenix, ranking 287th. Its peak was 2021, with 324 births.
    Is Phoenix a boy's or a girl's name?
    Both. Of the 40,635 US babies named Phoenix since 1880, 40% were girls and 60% boys.
    When was Phoenix most popular?
    2020 in the United States, when 1,534 babies were named Phoenix, its highest rank at 236th.
    How do you pronounce Phoenix?
    Phoenix is /ˈfiːnɪks/, 2 syllables.
    Is Phoenix also a surname?
    Yes. Phoenix is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.