What does Penelope mean and where does it come from?
Penelope (Πηνελόπη) originates from Greek mythology as the wife of Odysseus, who is known for her fidelity and cleverness. The name means 'weaver,' which is a reference to the story of Penelope weaving and unweaving a tapestry to delay remarrying during Odysseus's absence. The name has remained popu
Cultural significance
Penelope has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of weaver.
Peak popularity
Reached #22 in 2019 — currently #23 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Penelope?
Penelope works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Penelope Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Penelope Rose
Floral · soft ending
Penelope Mae
Sweet · timeless
Penelope Claire
French influence · crisp
Penelope Jane
Literary · strong
Penelope Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Penelope right now?
Holding steady — currently #23 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #23 | 6,065 | ▼ down 2 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #21 | 6,424 | ▲ up 2 · +1% births |
| 2021 | #23 | 6,364 | ▲ up 2 · +4% births |
| 2020 | #25 | 6,099 | ▲ up 9 · +3% births |
| 2015 | #34 | 5,949 | ▲ up 166 · +285% births |
| 2010 | #200 | 1,547 | ▲ up 358 · +202% births |
| 2005 | #558 | 513 | ▲ up 855 · +292% births |
| 2000 | #1413 | 131 | ▲ up 202 · +42% births |
| 1995 | #1615 | 92 | ▲ up 537 · +53% births |
| 1990 | #2152 | 60 | ▼ down 201 · +7% births |
| 1985 | #1951 | 56 | ▼ down 492 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #1459 | 83 | ▼ down 619 · -48% births |
| 1975 | #840 | 160 | ▼ down 269 · -49% births |
| 1970 | #571 | 315 | ▲ up 16 · +19% births |
| 1965 | #587 | 264 | — |
The story of Penelope
Penelope has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #22 in 2019. A total of 78,488 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #917 in 1880 to #23 in 2023. Penelope is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Penelope in 2019:
Penelope by decade
Penelope peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 34 | |
| 1890s | 36 | |
| 1900s | 29 | |
| 1910s | 248 | |
| 1920s | 562 | |
| 1930s | 1,109 | |
| 1940s | 6,384 | |
| 1950s | 4,757 | |
| 1960s | 2,869 | |
| 1970s | 1,752 | |
| 1980s | 608 | |
| 1990s | 792 | |
| 2000s | 5,674 | |
| 2010s ★ | 47,530 | |
| 2020s | 6,104 | |
What are good nicknames for Penelope?
Famous people named Penelope
P(
Penelope (Greek mythology)
Odysseus's faithful wife in Homer's Odyssey, who waited 20 years for his return, embodying loyalty and cleverness
PC
Penélope Cruz
Spanish actress who became the first Spaniard to win an Academy Award for Vicky Cristina Barcelona
PD
Penelope Disick
Daughter of Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick, who helped bring this name into modern consciousness
PK
Penelope Keith
British actress known for The Good Life and To the Manor Born, twice BAFTA award winner
PF
Penelope Fitzgerald
British novelist who won the Booker Prize for Offshore, beginning her literary career at age 60
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Penelope?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Penelope also consider these
How is Penelope written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Penelope
What does the name Penelope mean?
Penelope means "Weaver" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Penelope?
Penelope is currently ranked #23 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Penelope?
Penelope originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Penelope?
Penelope is a four-syllable name pronounced P AH0 N EH1 L AH0 P IY0. 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 Penelope?
Penelope pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.