The female first name Penelope is of Greek origin and may mean “duck” or imply the meaning “weaver.”
Meaning and Origin
Penelope is a female first name of Greek origin, often used in reference to Homer’s character. Derived from the Ancient Greek name Πηνελόπη (Pēnelópē), its etymology offers more than one plausible explanation. One possibility is that it stems from the Greek word penelops, or πηνέλοψ, which translates to duck or designates another water fowl sacred to the Ancient Greeks.
Another possible derivation combines the Greek noun pene, meaning web, with either ops, meaning eye, or the verb lepo, meaning unraveled. This combination suggests the meaning weaver, reflecting the craft of spinning and textile work. Because both roots hold ancient ties, the name carries associations with both waterfowl and the loom rather than a single exclusive definition.
The name was revived in the Anglosphere by the mid-16th century and has since been in occasional use. In twentieth-century English literature, author Joan G. Robinson highlighted its shifting reputation in her 1967 book When Marnie Was There, where Mrs Lindsay remarks that a character dislikes the name because it was not considered fashionable during her youth.
Pronunciation
Penelope is pronounced puh-NEL-uh-pee in standard English. The name consists of four distinct syllables, with primary stress falling on the second syllable. The second syllable rhymes with bell, while the first syllable has a short, neutral vowel sound. The third syllable is light and unstressed, and the final syllable rhymes with see. Spoken smoothly, the syllables flow together with a balanced, melodic rhythm.
Popularity in the United States
In the United States, Penelope first appears in 1880 as an enduring favorite among girl name trends, and it is most often given to girls. In 1950, the name held rank #305 with 646 babies, before dipping in subsequent decades to #1,470 with 83 babies in 1980 and #1,419 with 131 babies in 2000. A major rise brought it to #200 with 1,547 babies in 2010, followed by a surge to #26 with 6,152 babies in 2020. Penelope reached its peak rank of #21 in 2022. In 2025, it ranked #22 with 6,225 babies, bringing the total to 109,480 US girls given the name since 1880.
| Year | US rank (girls) | Babies named Penelope |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #305 | 646 |
| 1980 | #1,470 | 83 |
| 2000 | #1,419 | 131 |
| 2010 | #200 | 1,547 |
| 2020 | #26 | 6,152 |
| 2025 | #22 | 6,225 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Common short forms for Penelope include Penny, Nell, Nellie, Nella, Pippa, and Poppy. Penny has long served as the primary traditional pet form, offering a friendly and approachable feel. Nell and Nellie bring a vintage flavor that reflects the name’s classic character, while Nella gives the sound a slightly softer ending. Pippa and Poppy provide lively, modern options, and Pen functions as a simple single-syllable alternative for everyday use.
Famous People Named Penelope
- Penelope Cruz, the Academy Award-winning Spanish film actress celebrated for her leading performances in international and American cinema.
- Penelope Wilton, the distinguished English actress widely acclaimed for her celebrated performances on the British stage and her roles in television drama.
- Penelope Ann Miller, the American actress who starred in numerous critically praised Hollywood films throughout the late twentieth century and beyond.
Middle and Sibling Names
Middle names that pair well with Penelope include Claire, Grace, Rose, and Quinn.
Complementary sibling names include Charlotte, Oliver, Henry, and Eleanor.
FAQ
Which ancient Greek roots form the name Penelope?
The name Penelope derives from the Greek word penelops, meaning duck or a sacred water fowl, or from pene, meaning web, combined with ops, meaning eye, or lepo, meaning unraveled. From Ancient Greek Πηνελόπη (Pēnelópē), possibly connected to πηνέλοψ, these linguistic components suggest associations with weaving or water birds. Because the roots point toward distinct concepts, the name unites multiple ancient meanings rather than tracing back to a single definitive definition.
How many girls in the United States have been named Penelope?
A total of 109,480 girls in the United States have received the name Penelope since 1880. This grand total represents every girl given the name from its earliest appearance through 2025. While annual numbers remained relatively low for much of the twentieth century, enthusiastic modern adoption contributed thousands of girls each year to establish this impressive cumulative sum.
How does Penelope’s peak standing compare with its most recent rank?
Penelope reached its peak rank of #21 in 2022, and it held nearly the exact same position in 2025 at rank #22. In 2022, the name achieved its highest standing on the American charts at #21, and in 2025, 6,225 baby girls received the name to keep it near that mark at #22. This close comparison shows that Penelope remains exceptionally popular among American parents today.
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