Phineas

Phineas is the English variation of Phinehas, a Hebrew name likely derived from the Egyptian name Pa-nehasi. Pa-nehasi, meaning “the Nubian” can also be translated as “the bronze-colored one.” The Egyptians distinguished themselves from their Nubian neighbors through differences in skin tone.

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake gave it star-cred when they used it for their son in 2020, but it was Julia Roberts who drew the biblical Phineas into the limelight back in 2004. She chose 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.

Gender

Boy

Meaning

the Nubian

Origin

English, Egyptian

Numerology

P is for please, the way you always do.

H is for happiness, you always bring.

I is for impress, for impress you will.

N is for name, a pleasant one indeed.

E is for exotic, no lack of spirit here!

A is for able, for you surely are.

S is for sweet, your pleasing way.

Lucky

Phineas lucky number is 9.

The mission for 9 is to reach its highest state of consciousness, and to help others also achieve this spiritual awareness. 9 is not afraid to transform, and its malleable spirit inspires others to explore their own ranges of motion. Since 9, in many ways, has transcended the physical plane, it must constantly remember to anchor itself.

Famous People Named Phineas

• Phineas Taylor "P. T." Barnum American circus showman
• Phineas F. Bresee founder of the Church of the Nazarene
• Phineas Parkhurst Quimby American philosopher and healer
• Phineas Gage American railroad foreman who survived a freak accident
• Phineas Lyman Tracy U.S. Congressman from New York

Phineas in Pop Culture

• Phineas "Finny" a character in "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles
• Phineas Nigellus Black a minor character in the "Harry Potter" series
• Phineas Fletcher friend to Simeon Halliday in "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1851)
• Phineas Fletcher narrator of "John Halifax, Gentleman" (1856)
• Phineas Flynn character on animated series "Phineas and Ferb"