What does Pennington mean and where does it come from?
Pennington is an English surname originated from a place name that means 'town of the hill' from the Old English elements 'pening' (hill) and 'tun' (town or settlement). It is more commonly used as a surname in the UK but has been adopted as a first name. In recent years, it has emerged as a unique
Cultural significance
Pennington has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #14194 in 2015 — currently #984 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Pennington?
Pennington works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pennington Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pennington Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pennington Mae
Sweet · timeless
Pennington Claire
French influence · crisp
Pennington Jane
Literary · strong
Pennington Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Pennington right now?
Holding steady — currently #984 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #984 | 1,216 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #989 | 1,196 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #994 | 1,166 | ▲ up 13550 · +19333% births |
| 2020 | #14544 | 6 | ▼ down 350 · -14% births |
| 2015 | #14194 | 7 | — |
The story of Pennington
Pennington is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2015. With 30 total births recorded, Pennington remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14194 in 2015 to #984 in 2023. Pennington is used for both genders: 60% female and 40% male.
Names that peaked alongside Pennington in 2015:
Pennington by decade
Pennington peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 2000s | 6 | |
| 2010s ★ | 18 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Pennington has only 30 total recorded births since 2015 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Pennington?
What names sound and feel like Pennington?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pennington also consider these
Common questions about the name Pennington
What does the name Pennington mean?
Pennington means "A beloved name with deep roots" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Pennington?
Pennington is currently ranked #984 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Pennington?
Pennington originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Pennington?
Pennington is a three-syllable name pronounced P EH1 N IH0 NG T AH0 N. 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 Pennington?
Pennington pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar United Kingdom heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.