Penda

“Means 'love' or 'to love'.” — Symbolizes affection and love

Africa origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#14874US 2022

6Births / yr

↓Falling

82All-time births

📅 Since 197500

How to pronounce Penda

PEND·AH

/ˈpɛnd.ˈɑ/ · stress on PEND · 2 syllables

“Means 'love' or 'to love'.”

Symbolizes affection and love · Africa origin

What does Penda mean and where does it come from?

Penda is a name found in various African cultures, particularly among the Swahili-speaking peoples. It symbolizes affection and love. The name has been noted primarily in East Africa; however, it is also found in other regions. In contemporary naming trends, Penda resonates with those looking for me

Cultural significance

Penda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Africa-speaking communities, where it reflects values of means 'love' or 'to love'..

Peak popularity

Reached #7150 in 1975 — currently #14874 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Penda?

Penda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Penda Grace

How popular is Penda right now?

Falling — down 2953 spots — currently #14874 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2022#14874 · Top 11%

1975

2000

2005

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#14874	6	▼ down 2953 · -25% births
2021	#11921	8	▲ up 3116 · +33% births
2005	#15037	6	▲ up 681 · +20% births
2000	#15718	5	▼ down 8568 · -37% births
1975	#7150	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Penda

Best Year1975Rank #7150

Peak Count8

Average Rank#12940

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1975 - 20225 years

The story of Penda

Penda is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 82 total births recorded, Penda remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7150 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14874 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Penda in 1975:

Jennifer Amy Heather Melissa Angela

Penda by decade

Penda peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	8
1990s	11
2000s ★	42
2010s	21

💎Penda has only 82 total recorded births since 1975 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Penda?

Common

PenPe

What names sound and feel like Penda?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Penda also consider these

Lenda

English · Longing, desire

Renda

Slavic Countries · Slavic

Senda

Spanish · pathway or trail

Southern Africa · People of the

Benda

African · Swahili

Common questions about the name Penda

What does the name Penda mean?

Penda means "Means 'love' or 'to love'." — a name rooted in Africa tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Penda?

Penda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Penda?

Penda originates from Africa tradition. Africa names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Penda?

Penda is a two-syllable name pronounced P EH1 N D AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Penda a common or rare name?

Penda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.