What does Penellope mean and where does it come from?
Penellope is a variation of the classic name Penelope, which has Greek origins. The name is famously borne by the wife of Odysseus in Homer's epic, 'The Odyssey', symbolizing loyalty and patience. The rise of the name Penellope in the U.S. reflects a trend toward more unique spellings of traditional
Cultural significance
Penellope has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of weaver.
Peak popularity
Reached #7412 in 2017 — currently #8840 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Penellope?
Penellope works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Penellope Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Penellope Rose
Floral · soft ending
Penellope Mae
Sweet · timeless
Penellope Claire
French influence · crisp
Penellope Jane
Literary · strong
Penellope Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Penellope right now?
Rising fast — up 3130 spots — currently #8840 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8840 | 12 | ▲ up 3130 · +50% births |
| 2022 | #11970 | 8 | ▲ up 5100 · +60% births |
| 2021 | #17070 | 5 | ▼ down 2411 · -17% births |
| 2020 | #14659 | 6 | ▲ up 1494 |
| 2015 | #16153 | 6 | — |
The story of Penellope
Penellope is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2013. With 66 total births recorded, Penellope remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16153 in 2015 to #8840 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Penellope in 2017:
💎Penellope has only 66 total recorded births since 2013 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Penellope?
What names sound and feel like Penellope?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Penellope also consider these
Common questions about the name Penellope
What does the name Penellope mean?
Penellope means "weaver" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Penellope?
Penellope is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Penellope have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Penellope?
Penellope originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Penellope?
Penellope is a three-syllable name pronounced P EH1 N EH1 L L OW1 P. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Penellope?
Penellope pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.