Phineas

Phineas is an English form of the biblical name Pinhas (Hebrew פִּינְחָס), whose meaning is translated from Egyptian as 'the dark-skinned' or 'the Nubian.' In the biblical texts, two significant figures bear this name.

What does the name Phineas mean?

Phineas is the English variation of the biblical name Pinhas (Hebrew פִּינְחָס), which is derived from Egyptian and means 'the dark-skinned' or 'the Nubian.' In the Bible, Pinhas is mentioned as the son of Eleazar and the grandson of the first Israelite high priest Aaron, as well as the son of the high priest Eli. The first name Phineas is mainly used in English-speaking areas but has lost usage. It was particularly popular in the USA in the 18th and 19th centuries. Other variants of the name Pinhas include Phinehas, Pinehas, Pinkas, and Pinkus.

Where does the name Phineas come from?

The name Phineas has Egyptian roots and means 'the dark-skinned' or 'the Nubian.' It is a male first name found in both biblical and English contexts.

How do you pronounce Phineas?

The pronunciation of Phineas is three syllables and sounds harmonious. It is pronounced as 'Fi-ne-as' [ˈfiːneːas], starting with a long, clear 'i' that conveys a sense of lightness. The following syllables give the name a rhythmic and flowing sound. The ending '-as' allows the name to open slightly outward. This makes Phineas appear elegant and cultured - creative, gentle, and simultaneously distinctive.

Popularity

In Germany, Phineas enjoys great popularity as a first name. Currently, it ranks 1,607th on the list of most common male baby names. Its best ranking was achieved in 2011 at 688th place. Over the last ten years, Phineas has been used as a first name about 190 times, securing it the 1,629th position in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 1,514th.

Nicknames & pet names

Phin / Phine / Phinny / Phischi

Similar first names

Fineas

Famous people

• Mark Phineas Chamberlain (Photographer from America)
• Phineas Fletcher (English writer)
• Phineas Flynn (From 'Phineas and Ferb' (children's series))
• Phineas Fowke (English physicist)
• Phineas John (British boxer)
• Phineas Maimela (Botswana footballer)
• Phineas Newborn (Musician)
• Phineas Nigellus Black (Character from the Harry Potter universe)
• Phineas P. Paist (American architect)
• Phineas Taylor Barnum (Circus pioneer, politician)