Phineas
Phineas is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Oracle, dark-skinned, or serpent's mouth; likely derived from an Egyptian root.
Origin and history
Phineas is a traditional name derived from the Hebrew Pinchas, which is believed to originate from an Ancient Egyptian phrase meaning 'Nubian' or 'dark-skinned'. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as the grandson of Aaron. In the United States, it has experienced a modern revival as a distinctive classic name.
Popularity in the United States
2,803 babies in the United States have been named Phineas since 1880. It ranks #2443 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1286.
States where it is most popular
- CA (18.9 %)
- NY (15 %)
- TX (11 %)
- OH (8.5 %)
- PA (5.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 5 |
| 1890-1900 | 10 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 38 |
| 1920-1930 | 33 |
| 1930-1940 | 29 |
| 1940-1950 | 15 |
| 1950-1960 | 23 |
| 1960-1970 | 26 |
| 1970-1980 | 26 |
| 1980-1990 | 47 |
| 1990-2000 | 76 |
| 2000-2010 | 607 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,190 |
| 2020-2029 | 678 |
Famous people named Phineas
- Phineas Gage: Historical figure, Medical case subject
- Phineas Taylor Barnum: Showman, Entrepreneur
Nicknames
Phin, Finn
Fun facts
- The name gained widespread recognition among younger generations via the hit animated series Phineas and Ferb.
- A famous literary bearer is the central character Phineas in John Knowles's classic novel A Separate Peace.