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.
🌿
Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Peniel Rose
Floral · soft ending
Peniel Mae
Sweet · timeless
Peniel Claire
French influence · crisp
Peniel Jane
Literary · strong
Peniel Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Peniel right now?
Rising fast — up 4398 spots — currently #8841 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
Famous people named Peniel
P(
Peniel (historical community leader)
Peniel led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
P(
Peniel (historical figure)
Peniel bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Peniel?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Peniel also consider these
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.