Phoenix Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Phoenix originates from Greek, meaning rebirth and renewal. It has evolved through several historical forms and is associated with the mythical bird that symbolizes immortality. The name carries traits of resilience and transformation, with no significant biblical relevance. Its popularity surged in the 19th century, and today it is viewed positively in modern culture.
The name Phoenix is most popular in Nevada, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Phoenix has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Phoenix' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8406th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2042nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 510th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 278th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6188th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2999th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 876th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 366th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Phoenix' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Phoenix"
Pronunciation
/ˈfiːnɪks/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name 'Phoenix' derives from the Greek word 'phoinix', which refers to a mythical bird that is said to rise from its ashes, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.
Meaning
rebirth, renewal, immortality
Language Evolution
Phoenician, Ancient Greek, Latin, Modern English
Historical Usage
The name Phoenix gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, particularly due to its associations with mythology and symbolism of transformation.
Variants & Derivatives
Phoenicia, Phenix, Finix
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Phoenix is perceived positively, often associated with strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges.
Famous People
Phoenix Wright (fictional character), Joaquin Phoenix (actor), Phoenix (band)
Explore More Phoenix Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Phoenix"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Phoenix"
"Phoenix" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8406th of 10718 | 15 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2042nd of 16616 | 532 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 510th of 24088 | 7,849 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 278th of 23106 | 15,124 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 6188th of 19264 | 122 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2999th of 27321 | 564 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 876th of 35406 | 4,543 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 366th of 30306 | 10,251 |
Regional Popularity of "Phoenix" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
41.17% 1517th/3685 |
47.62% 2131st/4475 |
38.18% 1983rd/5194 |
26.37% 1666th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
10.10% 463rd/4582 |
11.70% 604th/5164 |
7.64% 559th/7313 |
6.24% 466th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
6.58% 262nd/3984 |
7.73% 347th/4487 |
4.12% 281st/6822 |
4.64% 291st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Phoenix" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
91.79% 3712th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
69.91% 2576th/3685 |
74.32% 3326th/4475 |
72.33% 3757th/5194 |
40.78% 2576th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
17.11% 784th/4582 |
19.54% 1009th/5164 |
12.57% 919th/7313 |
12.64% 943rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
8.89% 354th/3984 |
9.45% 424th/4487 |
4.97% 339th/6822 |
6.88% 432nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Phoenix"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Phoenix" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.