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Origin and meaning of the name Phaedra

What is the origin of the name Phaedra?

The name Phaedra is of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "Phaidra" which means "bright-crowned". In Greek mythology, Phaedra (also spelled as Phaidra or Faidra) was the name of a princess and the wife of Theseus, the king of Athens. She was best known for her tragic love for Hippolytus, her stepson. This story is told in several ancient Greek texts, including Euripides' play "Hippolytus" or "Phaedra".

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Phaedra

The name Phaedra is of Greek origin, derived from the word 'Phaidras', meaning "bright" or "shining one". It was popularized by the tragic story of Phaedra from Greek mythology, who was the daughter of Pandion and the wife of Theseus. In this tale, Phaedra falls in love with her stepson Hippolytus due to a curse cast upon her by Aphrodite, the goddess of love. This tragic love story was later retold by the ancient Roman poet Ovid in his work "Metamorphoses". The name has been used throughout history and continues to be given to girls born in various cultures today, symbolizing brightness, radiance, and a connection with Greek mythology and classical literature.

Character traits associated with the name Phaedra

Phaedra is often characterized as a passionate and strong-willed individual, demonstrating an intense emotional nature. Known for her deep affection and loyalty towards those she cares about, she can be fiercely protective and dedicated. However, her passion can sometimes lead to impulsiveness, causing misunderstandings or conflicts due to the intensity of her emotions. Phaedra is also typically known for her intelligence and wisdom, making her a perceptive and insightful individual who is well-respected in her community. Despite facing adversity, she possesses an unwavering resilience that enables her to overcome obstacles and challenges with determination and tenacity. Ultimately, Phaedra embodies the qualities of strength, loyalty, intelligence, and resilience, making her a complex and captivating character.

Popularity of the name Phaedra

The name Phaedra is not commonly used in modern Western cultures, although it has historical significance in Greek mythology as the name of King Minos's wife who fell in love with Theseus, leading to tragic consequences. In contemporary times, the name Phaedra appears sparingly on birth certificates. According to data from the United States Social Security Administration, Phaedra ranked at 8,579th out of the top 10,000 baby girl names in 2020. However, regional variations and cultural differences may lead to slightly different popularity levels in other countries. Despite its relatively low usage, the name Phaedra maintains a unique charm due to its mythological roots and continues to be chosen by parents who seek an uncommon and meaningful name for their child.

Famous people with the name Phaedra

Phaedra is a unique and historically significant name, most famously associated with three notable individuals across different fields. In ancient Greek literature, Phaedra was a character in the tragic play "Hippolytus" by Seneca, based on an earlier work by Sophocles. The character of Phaedra is a queen who falls in love with her stepson Hippolytus, leading to a series of tragic events. In modern times, Phaedra Parks is a prominent American attorney, television personality, and author, best known for her appearances on the reality TV show "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." Lastly, Phaedra Hyles, an actress and singer, gained recognition for her role as Jasmine in the 2018 Netflix series "Dear White People." These three individuals, each with the name Phaedra, have left lasting impacts in their respective fields.

Variations of the name Phaedra

The name Phaedra has various spellings and derivatives across different languages and cultures. Some of these include Feodora (Russian), Fedora (Italian and Polish), Fiodra (Lithuanian), Teodora (Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, and Croatian), Theoctista (Greek), Teofreda (Old High German), and Theodora (English, French, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Icelandic). These names all share a common origin, derived from the Greek name Θεοδώρα (Theodōra), meaning "gift of God" or "God's gift." The name has been popular throughout history due to notable figures such as Theodora, the Byzantine empress, and Phaedra, a character in Greek mythology. The variations demonstrate the enduring appeal of this name across cultures and languages.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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