Girl names With ph in Them (at the Beginning or Middle)

Are you looking for a baby girl name that contains the digraph ph? Perhaps you're searching for a pretty name that begins with Ph to honor Grandma Phyllis, or maybe you love the inherently sophisticated vibe of girl names that feature ph in the middle (we're talking about you Josephine, Ophelia and company!). Or maybe you're looking for alternatives to Ophelia or Josephine, or any of the other currently popular Ph-names, because your pregnant best friend just called dibs on your favorite ph-powered girl name!

Whatever the reason, there are plenty of options to choose from. So go ahead and explore our carefully curated lists of baby girl names that contain the letter combo ph at the beginning or in the middle:

Girl Names That Start with Ph

• Phoebe: This originally Christian girl name from the New Testament appeals to a wide range of parents in the modern world. It can also be spelled without the "o" (Phebe), in which case it becomes a Shakespearean character name.
• Phoenix: Part place name, part mythological name, Phoenix makes for a cool, evocative Ph-beginning baby name possibility, whether you're having a girl or a boy. As the name of the mythical bird that rose from the ashes, it can also be seen as a symbol of renewal and immortality. Phoenyx is a legit variation, but if you do decide to swap the "i" for a "y", don't expect people to get the spelling right on the first go.
• Philomena: This deep-rooted, saint-inspired Catholic girl name was considered an unusual but not unheard-of girls' name in the 1920s. A century later, baby Philomenas are nowhere to be found. Good news if you're looking for an unusual Ph-beginning girl name with a spiritual dimension!
• Philippa: Another name with saintly associations, Philippa has never really caught on in the U.S. Now hop across the pond, and Philippas are no longer a rare breed. In fact, Philippa crops up in British royal history time and time again, and it's also the birth name of Pippa Matthews (née Middleton).
• Phaedra: Greek mythology buffs may recognize Phaedra as a mythological princess, whose story has inspired artists, poets and musicians throughout the ages. In the 1960s, Phaedra made its debut on the American baby name scene and has remained in sparing use since then.
• Phyllis: Is Phyllis a terminally dated moniker best left in the past, or a funky-clunky name ready for revival? We'll let you be the judge!
• Phylicia: This frilly Ph-name, which sounds like a cross between Phyllis and Felicia, gained some fraction in the 1980s and 90s. Credit the Cosby star Phylicia Rashad for the name's now long-gone popularity blip.

Girl Names with ph in the Middle

• Sophia: If you're looking for a classic a-ending girl name that also features the sophisticated ph sound, Sophia might appeal. It is drenched in royal history, it offers impeccable literary credentials, and its meaning—"wisdom"—is as compelling as they come.
• Josephine: Like Sophia, Josephine offers timeless elegance and a strong royal pedigree. In addition, it comes with a wealth of nickname possibilities, ranging from the sprightly Josie to the cutesy Fifi.
• Stephanie: Hugely popular in the 1980s, Stephanie is a long, strong name with a host of variations, including Stephany, Stephanie, Stephany, Stephania, Stephani, Estephanie and Estephany. And, if you add all the f-powered variants, you'll have even more options (Stefany, Stefanie, Estefany, Estefania, Estefany—and the list goes on).
• Daphne: This charmer goes back eons. She is a figure in Greek mythology, best known for her transformation into a laurel tree to escape the pursuit of Apollo. Parents who like nature-inspired girl names can also add Daphne to their list of possibilities: in botany, Daphne refers to a genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs noted for their scented flowers.
• Ophelia: A great alternative to the hugely popular Olivia, the stunningly beautiful Ophelia carries Shakespearean cachet and is loaded with vintage charm. While Ophelia is not a biblical name per se, it does bear resemblance to the perfectly legit but uncommon Bible-inspired girl name Ophel.
• Persephone: This towering, stylish name derives from Greek mythology, where Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. The mythological figure was known as the goddess of springtime, but she also had a darker side as the queen of the underworld.
• Seraphina: If you're after an elegant ph-containing girl name with a mystical or spiritual edge, Seraphina delivers. It is name is related to the word seraphim, a type of angel described in various religious texts, including the Bible (Isaiah 6:2).
• Sapphire: Like the dark blue gemstone that inspired this moniker, Sapphire is a gorgeous, captivating girl's name with an air of mystery. It also feels spirited and strong, perhaps because of the sound "fire" at the end.
• Sapphira: Although Sapphire is just one letter away from Sapphire and shares the same etymology, it's a distinct name and comes with its own set of connotations and associations, not all of them entirely positive.
• Symphony: A sister for Melody or Harmony, Symphony only entered the baby name lexicon in the late 20th century. As a straight-up word name, it's not everyone's jam, but if you're after a ph name with a straightforward meaning, Symphony might be just perfect for your baby girl.
• Memphis: For many, the first association is the city in Tennessee. But Memphis can also be considered a modern biblical boy name or a modern biblical girl name, in reference to the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis which is mentioned several times in the Old Testament.
• Murphy: If you like Memphis because of its unisex appeal, you might also like Murphy, another gender-neutral name with the charming ph sound in the middle. Murphy could also be a contender if you're into surnames repurposed as given names.
• Sephora: This exotic charmer is related to the Hebrew name Zipporah, which some of you may recognize as the name of the biblical Moses' wife. In modern-day America, however, Sephora with the ph is most associated with the cosmetics and beauty retailer.
• Delphine: If you're looking for an old-fashioned girl's name that starts with D, here's an underused option that also boasts the charming ph sound in the middle. Fans of animal-inspired girl names may also want to make room for this delicate, dolphin-evoking name on their shortlist.
• Epiphany: If you like abstract, spiritually meaningful word names for girls, this one, with its enlightening meaning and similarity to Tiffany, has potential.
• Sophronia: You might think Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling coined this frilly name, but guess what, Sophronia is actually a very old name with Greek roots. In the U.S., it still ranked in the Top 1000 at the beginning of the 21st century but hasn't seen much daylight since then.
• Alpha: Until 1944, Alpha was a Top 1000 choice for American baby girls; today, it's mainly used for boys. Still, if you're looking for an unusual baby name with the ph sound, especially one with gender-bending potential, this might be one to consider.