[12] Based upon parallax measurements with the Hipparcos astrometry satellite,[13][14] it is located at a distance of around 83.2 light-years (25.5 parsecs) from the Sun.

Phecda is located in relatively close physical proximity to the prominent Mizar–Alcor star system.

The two are separated by an estimated distance of 8.55 ly (2.62 pc); much closer than the two are from the Sun.

It bore the traditional names Phecda or Phad, derived from the Arabic phrase فخذ الدب fakhth al-dubb ('thigh of the bear').

Consequently, the Chinese name for Gamma Ursae Majoris itself is 北斗三 (Běi Dǒu sān, English: the Third Star of Northern Dipper) and 天璣 (Tiān Jī, English: Star of Celestial Shining Pearl).