The Baby Name Wizard

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Comments and insights on the name Phineas: | Edit

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Personal experiences with the name Phineas: | Edit

We named our son Phineas. People ask us all the time if it's a family name or where we came up with it. Occasionally someone will mention it's the name of one of Julia Robert's twins. I love my son's name and I love that it's uncommon.

I also named my son Phineas: the biggest drawback is the fact that many people cannot pronounce it, and it oftentimes comes out similar to a male private body part. It is uncomfortable for other people when they realize what they are saying. Certainly, i still love the name, but i anticipate problems for my son when he is in school. Finally, had I known about the outrageously bad cartoon Phineas and Ferb, I would not have chosen this name. All the little kids ask if that is whom he is named after.

Nicknames for Phineas: | Edit

Fin, Phin, Phinney

Meanings and history of the name Phineas: | Edit

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Famous real-life people named Phineas: | Edit

Phineas Taylor Barnum, showman and founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus
Julia Roberts' son is named Phinneas
Phineas Gage, famous survivor of an 1848 accident while preparing blasting material to make room for a railroad

Phineas in song, story & screen: | Edit

"Phineas and Ferb" is a cartoon on The Disney Channel featuring two young genius inventor step-brothers. Phineas is the more outgoing and enthusiastic (and triangle-headed) one.
Phineas ("Finny"), a prominent character in John Knowles' A Separate Peace.