Phoenix Overview
- Meaning: Rebirth
- Gender: Unisex, Surname
- Origin: Greek
- Pronunciation: “Fee-nix”
- Popularity: 248th in the US
- Nicknames: Nix, Phe
- Variations: Feenix, Phoenicks
- Namesakes: River Phoenix, Phoenix (X-Men)
What Does Phoenix Mean?
The name Phoenix comes from the mythological bird of the same name and is a symbol of rebirth, regeneration, and immortality.
What is the Origin of the Name Phoenix?
The origin of this name is Greek, and the Phoenix bird is from Greek myth.
How Popular is the Name Phoenix?
Phoenix has not been in the 1,000 most popular names for very long, but it rose once it passed that threshold. In 1995 Phoenix was the 962nd most popular name in the United States. So far, it was most popular in 2020 when it was the 238th most popular name in the United States. In 2021 this name was the 248th most popular name in the United States (1).
How Do I Pronounce Phoenix?
Pronounce Phoenix like “Fee-nix.”
Is Phoenix a Boy or Girl Name?
Phoenix is a unisex first name and is also sometimes a surname.
Variations of Phoenix
Since Phoenix is a relatively recent popular name, plenty of modern variations exist. It has some unique sounds, making it a fun name from which to derive variations. There are also some versions of Phoenix that come from various cultures.
- Fenix
- Phoenicks
- Phenix
- Foenix
- Foenicks
- Feenix
- Pheenix
Nicknames for Phoenix
There are several nicknames that you can make from the name Phoenix. The nicknames can come from the structure of the name itself, but they can also relate to the mythology behind the name and its overall origin.
- Nix
- Fifi
- Phoe
- Enix
- Oe
- Nick
- Nicky
- Nickie
- Feef
- Phoen
- Feen
- Pho-pho
- Nixon
- Pookie
- Nike
- Foxy
- Ph
- Peon
- Birdie
- Bird
Similar Names to Phoenix
When choosing a name, it is normal to come across names that you like, but that does not quite do the trick. If Phoenix is one of those names for you, it is easy to find different names that fit some elements of the name Phoenix. Look for names that are popular in the 21st century, relate to Greek mythology, or have a Greek origin in general.
- Wolf
- Onyx
- Zephyr
- Axel
- Winter
- Fox
- Ash
- Arrow
- Nova
- Sunny
- Soleil
- Lennox
- Lynx
- Penelope
- Phoebe
- Ajax
- Griffin
- Zeus
- Pepper
- Felix
Middle Names for Phoenix
Since Phoenix is such a unique name, there are a few ways that you can determine a middle name pairing. You can double down on the uniqueness with a more avant-garde middle name, or you can balance Phoenix with a more traditional middle name.
- Knox
- Jax
- Violet
- Lamay
- Alexandra
- Rex
- Nola
- Nicholas
- Noah
- Noel
- Nyla
- Amelia
- Olivia
- Madison
- Sage
- Everest
- Rain
- Echo
- Avalon
- Luna
Sibling Names for Phoenix
If you already have a child name Phoenix, you likely want to know how to come up with a name for Phoenix’s sibling. Try to pick a name that relates to Phoenix, but that still provides your child with room to grow in their way. These names may have a Greek origin, relate to mythology, birds, or have some sounds in common.
- Raven
- Ember
- Indigo
- Winter
- Lark
- Blaze
- Starling
- Crimson
- Avalon
- Amethyst
- Ruby
- Ophelia
- Electra
- Fauna
- Faye
- Matilda
- Magnolia
- Neith
- Nile
- Ocean
Famous People Named Phoenix
Phoenix is by no means a common name. However, there are still plenty of famous figures who have the name Phoenix. Most of these people are entertainers, including musicians, directors, actors, or models. Phoenix is also a last name shared by some famous individuals, including a family that includes River Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Summer Phoenix, and others.
- Phoenix Arn-Horn: Canadian musician
- Phoenix Best: American actress
- Phoenix Guerrero: Musician and social media active
- Phoenix Melville: British-French director, writer
- Phoenix Stone: American musician, actor
- Phoenix Brown: Model
- Joaquin Phoenix: American actor
- River Phoenix: American actor
- Summer Phoenix: American actress
- Dave Farrell (Phoenix): Guitarist for Linkin Park
Phoenix in Popular Culture
While Phoenix may not be a popular name for actual people, several fictional characters have this name. Besides being an integral player in the X-Men comic books, a phoenix is also an important side character in the Harry Potter book and film series.
- Phoenix Ikki: Saint Seiya character
- Jean Grey (Phoenix and Dark Phoenix): X-Men character
- Rachel Summers (Phoenix): Marvel Comics
- Phoenix: Transformers
- Phoenix Raynor: Shortland Street
- Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
- Aster Phoenix: Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
- Paul Phoenix: Tekken
- Simon Phoenix: Demolition Man
- Stefano DiMera (The Phoenix): Days of our Lives
- Phoenix: Phantom of the Paradise
- Phoenix Jackson: A Worn Path
- Order of the Phoenix: Harry Potter
- Phoenix: Star Trek
- Phoenix: Stephen Brust
- The Phoenix: Henning Boetius
- The Phoenix: Thomas Middleton
- The Phoenix: Old English Poem
- Phoenix: French alternative rock band
Phoenix FAQs
Are There Any Other Names That Have the Same Meaning As Phoenix?
There are quite a few names that mean Phoenix or relate to fire or other topics related to Phoenixes. These names include Bedelia, Bren, Helia, Missja, Aiden, Azar, Col, Fintan, Kai, Ash, and Flint.
As for names that relate to rebirth, rejuvenation, and new beginnings, there are also plenty of names that fit that bill. These names include Roxanna, Renata, Neoma, Kady, Winona, Alba, Amaryllis, Anastasia, Aurora, Avril, Chloe, Dawn, Eos, Abel, Irvin, Janus, Neo, Kit, Tan, Renee, and Nova.
What Is the Myth of the Phoenix?
The myth of the phoenix can be attributed to many cultures. However, it is primarily associated with Greek mythology. It may have also originated in Ancient Egypt. Scholars are discussing the exact origins of the mythological bird.
While there is some slight variation throughout these different traditions, in general, the phoenix is a bird that is born again after it dies. Sometimes the bird simply dies. Other times, it explodes into flames as it dies and it rises from the ashes.
The Phoenix has a somewhat inconsistent description. While it is now associated with warm colors by many people, it has been associated with several color combinations throughout history.
