From the experts:
Julia Roberts drew the biblical Phineas into the limelight when she chose it, with the even-more-antique spelling Phinnaeus, for her twin son, now called Finn. Phineas had last been heard from via circus impresario Phineas T. Barnum, until it was brought somewhat up to date via the Disney Channel animated show Phineas and Ferb.
Anthony Trollope combined name and nickname for the young, handsome and charming Irish lawyer hero of his eponymous novel, Phineas Finn. Phineas is also the name of three biblical personages and was popular among the seventeenth century Puritans. Jazz pianist Phineas Newborn, Jr. is a contemporary namesake.
Trivia note: In early movies, characters named Phineas had nicknames like Prune, Whipsnake and Whoopee.
Bottom line: A quirky path to nickname Finn.
16 names similar to Phineas
These 16 names were selected by our users that were looking for other names like Phineas. If you didn't find an alternative name that you like better than Phineas, try our name generator. It allows you to go beyond the similarities of a name, which can provide a lot of inspiration!
Lists containing Phineas
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- Biblical Baby Names
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- Vintage Names for Boys
- Unusual Antique Baby Names
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Phineas in Blog Posts
Popularity
Phineas is #183 on Nameberry |
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Comments
The Silver Brid Says:
letmein Says:
No way! It sounds way too much like penis.
headintheclouds Says:
Phineas is one of those clunky old-fashioned biblical names that I feel is starting to become part of the almost-resurging category of vintage names. The popular cartoon Phineas and Ferb has helped in bringing this name to the mainstream as well. Phineas doesn't really have universal appeal, but I personally really enjoy it. There's has a heavy weight to it, but when said out loud, IMO it has an airier feel, especially with the short and sweet nickname Finn.
LostKid Says:
Not a fan.
EW314 Says:
I really like this, but it feels like a bit too much to actually use, especially with the spelling Julia Roberts chose: Phinnaeus (who sits very oddly IMO alonside twin sister Hazel and brother Henry). I actually think the cute nickname Phin/Fin might help to make it feel wearable.
Lena_Aline Says:
Not a fan because of the myth behind it.
Audrey328 Says:
I really like this name. Do you think other people would have a hard time spelling it?
Honoria Says:
Love this name, but the risk of it being shortened to plain old trendy "Finn" is a deal-breaker, methinks.
clairels Says:
Still very old-mannish, IMHO.
Guest Says:
LOVE this name.
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I love this name, I think it sounds very sophisticated yet can be shortened to the fun Phin/Fin. It's different enough not to be a bore like 'John' or 'James,' yet still not as odd as many other names people are picking now-a-days.