Pennelope

“weaver”

Greece origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#8842US 2023

12Births / yr

↓Falling

331All-time births

📅 Since 194200

How to pronounce Pennelope

PEN·il·OHP

/ˈpɛn.ɪl.ˈoʊp/ · stress on PEN · 3 syllables

“weaver”

Greece origin · Girl name

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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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

How popular is Pennelope right now?

Falling — down 440 spots — currently #8842 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1945–2023#8842 · Top 6.5%

1945

1950

1955

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Pennelope

Best Year1945Rank #5142

Peak Count18

Average Rank#7992

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1945 - 202310 years

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:

Linda Mary Patricia Deborah Susan

Pennelope by decade

Pennelope peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

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?

Common

PenPeOpe

What names sound and feel like Pennelope?

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

American · Possibly a variant

Venellope

American · Beautiful lady

Kaliope

Greece · Beautiful voice

Vanelope

English · derived from the

Persaeus

Greece · Greek

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.