What does Penina mean and where does it come from?
Penina (פנינה) is a Hebrew name meaning 'pearl.' It appears in the biblical context, where Penina was one of the wives of Elkanah, the father of the prophet Samuel. The name has been in use for centuries and signifies something of great value and beauty. It is more commonly found in Jewish communiti
Cultural significance
Penina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of pearl.
Peak popularity
Reached #4054 in 1994 — currently #7170 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Penina?
Penina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Penina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Penina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Penina Mae
Sweet · timeless
Penina Claire
French influence · crisp
Penina Jane
Literary · strong
Penina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Penina right now?
Falling — down 3297 spots — currently #7170 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7170 | 16 | ▼ down 3297 · -59% births |
| 2022 | #3873 | 39 | ▲ up 933 · +39% births |
| 2021 | #4806 | 28 | ▼ down 363 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #4443 | 30 | ▲ up 2322 · +67% births |
| 2015 | #6765 | 18 | ▼ down 2013 · -40% births |
| 2010 | #4752 | 30 | ▲ up 886 · +36% births |
| 2005 | #5638 | 22 | ▲ up 2502 · +83% births |
| 2000 | #8140 | 12 | ▼ down 3878 · -50% births |
| 1995 | #4262 | 24 | ▲ up 4440 · +167% births |
| 1990 | #8702 | 9 | ▼ down 3761 · -40% births |
| 1985 | #4941 | 15 | ▲ up 425 · +15% births |
| 1980 | #5366 | 13 | — |
The story of Penina
Penina entered American naming records in 1953 and has been in use for over 71 years. With 876 total births recorded, Penina remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5366 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7170 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Penina in 1994:
Penina by decade
Penina peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 6 | |
| 1960s | 19 | |
| 1970s | 73 | |
| 1980s | 140 | |
| 1990s | 193 | |
| 2000s | 169 | |
| 2010s ★ | 246 | |
| 2020s | 30 | |
💎Penina has only 876 total recorded births since 1953 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Penina?
Famous people named Penina
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Penina (historical figure)
Penina bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Penina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Penina also consider these
Common questions about the name Penina
What does the name Penina mean?
Penina means "Pearl" — 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 Penina?
Penina 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 Penina?
Penina 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.
How do you pronounce the name Penina?
Penina is a three-syllable name pronounced P EH1 N IY1 N AH0. 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 Penina?
Penina pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.