Peniel

“Face of God” — Associated with spirituality and divine encounters

Hebrew origin · Unisex name

♂ 51% boys♀ 49% girls

#8841US 2023

12Births / yr

↑Rising

261All-time births

📅 Since 200300

What does Peniel mean and where does it come from?

Peniel (פְּנִיאֵל) is a biblical name, found in the Old Testament where Jacob names the place where he wrestled with God. This name has been used among Hebrew speakers and is often associated with spirituality and divine encounters. Its use as a feminine name is more modern and may vary significantl

Cultural significance

Peniel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of face of god.

Peak popularity

Reached #6740 in 2020 — currently #8841 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Peniel?

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

Peniel Grace

How popular is Peniel right now?

Rising fast — up 4398 spots — currently #8841 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2010–2023#8841 · Top 6.5%

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#8841	12	▲ up 4398 · +71% births
2022	#13239	7	▼ down 2317 · -22% births
2021	#10922	9	▼ down 4182 · -47% births
2020	#6740	17	▲ up 3823 · +70% births
2015	#10563	10	▲ up 7658 · +100% births
2010	#18221	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Peniel

Best Year2020Rank #6740

Peak Count17

Average Rank#11421

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2010 - 20236 years

The story of Peniel

Peniel is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2003. With 261 total births recorded, Peniel remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #18221 in 2010 to #8841 in 2023. Peniel is used for both genders: 49% female and 51% male.

Names that peaked alongside Peniel in 2020:

Olivia Emma Ava Charlotte Sophia

Peniel by decade

Peniel peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	5
2000s	58
2010s ★	173
2020s	25

💎Peniel has only 261 total recorded births since 2003 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Peniel?

Common

PenPeniePenyEniel

Famous people named Peniel

Peniel (historical community leader)

Peniel led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

Peniel (historical figure)

Peniel bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Peniel?

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

Deriel

Hebrew · belonging to God

Daniel

Hebrew · Hebrew

Reniel

Israel · God has been

Yexiel

Hebrew · God will strengthen

Geniel

American · Of the race

Common questions about the name Peniel

What does the name Peniel mean?

Peniel means "Face of God" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Peniel?

Peniel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby 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 Peniel?

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

Is Peniel a common or rare name?

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

Is Peniel more of a girl or boy name?

Peniel is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.