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Phoenix

Girl / Boy name · 231 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Phoenix: 231 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 21 births in 2022.

Phoenix, ultimately from a pre-Greek word, most likely the Egyptian *benu* (the heron deity associated with the sun), entered English via Latin and Greek as the name for a mythical bird that cyclically regenerates from its own ashes. The name’s most famous modern bearer might be actor Joaquin Phoenix, though his surname was originally Bottom; River Phoenix, his brother, was also a celebrated screen star. The city of Phoenix, Arizona, was named to symbolise a civilisation rising from ancient ruins, not directly after a person, but it has given the name a strong geographical anchor. A notably distinct variant is the French Félicie, though that shares a different root; culturally, the phoenix remains a potent symbol of resilience, making the name a powerful choice for a child.