What does Penny mean and where does it come from?
Penny is traditionally viewed as a diminutive form of the name Penelope, which has Greek origins. Penelope is derived from the Greek word 'penu', meaning 'to weave'. The name Penny gained popularity in the English-speaking world, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom, during the 20t
Cultural significance
Penny has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of weaver.
Peak popularity
Reached #87 in 1963 — currently #740 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Penny?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Penny?
Penny works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Penny Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Penny Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Penny Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Penny Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Penny Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Penny Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Penny right now?
Rising — up 8 spots — currently #740 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #740 | 368 | ▲ up 8 · -2% births |
| 2024 | #748 | 377 | ▼ down 72 · -13% births |
| 2023 | #676 | 433 | ▲ up 52 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #728 | 402 | ▼ down 22 · -1% births |
| 2021 | #706 | 408 | ▲ up 20 · +8% births |
| 2020 | #726 | 379 | ▲ up 31 · +2% births |
| 2015 | #757 | 372 | ▲ up 722 · +145% births |
| 2010 | #1479 | 152 | ▲ up 1602 · +198% births |
| 2005 | #3081 | 51 | ▼ down 338 · -4% births |
| 2000 | #2743 | 53 | ▼ down 640 · -17% births |
| 1995 | #2103 | 64 | ▼ down 768 · -47% births |
| 1990 | #1335 | 120 | ▼ down 664 · -56% births |
| 1985 | #671 | 270 | ▼ down 264 · -51% births |
| 1980 | #407 | 554 | ▼ down 172 · -46% births |
| 1975 | #235 | 1,027 | — |
The story of Penny
Penny has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. Its peak popularity was #87 in 1963. A total of 98,991 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1262 in 1890 to #676 in 2023. Penny is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Penny in 1963:
Penny by decade
Penny peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 11 | |
| 1890s | 29 | |
| 1900s | 50 | |
| 1910s | 162 | |
| 1920s | 477 | |
| 1930s | 1,151 | |
| 1940s | 13,178 | |
| 1950s | 25,209 | |
| 1960s ★ | 38,352 | |
| 1970s | 12,628 | |
| 1980s | 2,950 | |
| 1990s | 782 | |
| 2000s | 621 | |
| 2010s | 3,012 | |
| 2020s | 1,124 | |
What are good nicknames for Penny?
What names sound and feel like Penny?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Penny also consider these
How is Penny written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Penny
What does the name Penny mean?
Penny means "Weaver" — a name rooted in American 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 Penny?
Penny is currently ranked #676 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Penny have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Penny?
Penny originates from American tradition. American 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 Penny?
Penny is a two-syllable name pronounced PEN-ee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Penny trending right now?
Penny is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.