What does Pennelope mean and where does it come from?
The name Pennelope is a variant of the name Penelope, which originates from Ancient Greece. It is derived from the Greek 'pene' meaning 'weaver'. In Greek mythology, Penelope was the faithful wife of Odysseus who waits for him to return home from the Trojan War. The name became popular in Western cu
Cultural significance
Pennelope has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #3343 in 1952 — currently #8842 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Pennelope?
Pennelope works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pennelope Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pennelope Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pennelope Mae
Sweet · timeless
Pennelope Claire
French influence · crisp
Pennelope Jane
Literary · strong
Pennelope Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Pennelope right now?
Falling — down 440 spots — currently #8842 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8842 | 12 | ▼ down 440 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #8402 | 13 | ▼ down 1495 · -24% births |
| 2021 | #6907 | 17 | ▼ down 582 · -6% births |
| 2020 | #6325 | 18 | ▲ up 1741 · +29% births |
| 2015 | #8066 | 14 | ▲ up 7131 · +133% births |
| 2010 | #15197 | 6 | ▼ down 4940 · -40% births |
| 2005 | #10257 | 10 | ▼ down 4640 · +67% births |
| 1955 | #5617 | 6 | ▼ down 455 |
| 1950 | #5162 | 6 | ▼ down 20 · +20% births |
| 1945 | #5142 | 5 | — |
The story of Pennelope
Pennelope entered American naming records in 1942 and has been in use for over 82 years. With 331 total births recorded, Pennelope remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5142 in 1945, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8842 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Pennelope in 1952:
Pennelope by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 48 | |
| 1950s | 57 | |
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 41 | |
| 2010s ★ | 161 | |
| 2020s | 18 | |
💎Pennelope has only 331 total recorded births since 1942 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Pennelope?
What names sound and feel like Pennelope?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pennelope also consider these
Common questions about the name Pennelope
What does the name Pennelope mean?
Pennelope means "Greek" — 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 Pennelope?
Pennelope 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 Pennelope?
Pennelope 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 Pennelope?
Pennelope is a three-syllable name pronounced P EH1 N IH0 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 Pennelope?
Pennelope 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.