Phineas
From Ancient Greek Φινέας (Phinéas), alternative form of Φινεύς (Phineús).
Every Phineas since 1880 — 2,803 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Phineas
Phineas is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #1,616 in 2025 with 105 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 2,803 American babies have been named Phineas. Its peak came in 2016, when 142 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2010s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Phineas stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Phineas year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 105 | #1,616 |
| 2024 | 114 | #1,546 |
| 2023 | 99 | #1,707 |
| 2022 | 108 | #1,619 |
| 2021 | 131 | #1,404 |
| 2020 | 121 | #1,434 |
| 2019 | 118 | #1,471 |
| 2018 | 136 | #1,332 |
| 2017 | 129 | #1,376 |
| 2016 | 142 | #1,284 |
| 2015 | 95 | #1,664 |
| 2014 | 106 | #1,523 |
| 2013 | 98 | #1,584 |
| 2012 | 105 | #1,533 |
| 2011 | 120 | #1,393 |
| 2010 | 141 | #1,248 |
| 2009 | 130 | #1,339 |
| 2008 | 117 | #1,430 |
| 2007 | 88 | #1,718 |
| 2006 | 67 | #2,005 |
| 2005 | 43 | #2,600 |
| 2004 | 40 | #2,679 |
| 2003 | 39 | #2,609 |
| 2002 | 28 | #3,241 |
| 2001 | 28 | #3,204 |
| 2000 | 27 | #3,204 |
| 1995 | 7 | #7,586 |
| 1990 | — | — |
| 1985 | 8 | #5,036 |
| 1980 | 5 | #7,017 |
| 1975 | — | — |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | 5 | #4,256 |
| 1950 | 5 | #4,069 |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | 5 | #3,822 |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | 8 | #3,227 |
| 1925 | 5 | #4,740 |
| 1920 | 6 | #4,169 |
| 1915 | 5 | #4,265 |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | 5 | #1,030 |
Famous people named Phineas
- Phineas Gage Celebrity · 1823–1860
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Phineas mean?
From Ancient Greek Φινέας (Phinéas), alternative form of Φινεύς (Phineús).
How popular is the name Phineas in 2025?
Phineas ranked #1,616 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 105 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Phineas?
2,803 babies have been named Phineas in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Phineas most popular?
Phineas peaked in 2016, when 142 newborns received the name.
Is Phineas a boy or girl name?
Phineas is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Phineas rising or falling?
Phineas is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Phineas?
Well-known people named Phineas include Phineas Gage (celebrity).