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Penelope

♀ Girl

Pronounced puh-NEL-uh-pee /pəˈnɛl.ə.pi/High

Meaning: Weaver; possibly from Greek pene (bobbin) and ops (face/voice)Medium

In 30 seconds: A name of Greek mythology meaning 'weaver,' Penelope was the faithful wife of Odysseus. After centuries of literary use, it has surged back into the U.S. top 20.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningWeaver; possibly from Greek pene (bobbin) and ops (face/voice)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 59,132

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Penelope comes from the Greek, possibly from pene (bobbin, thread) and ops (face, voice) — though the exact etymology is debated. She is the faithful wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, celebrated for her cleverness and fidelity during the twenty years of her husband's absence.

The name was used in classical antiquity and remained in literary circulation throughout European history. In English it gained use through the Renaissance and was steady through the 18th and 19th centuries. After a mid-20th century decline it staged a strong revival, entering the U.S. top 30 around 2013 and the top 20 by the 2020s.

Did you know? In Homer's Odyssey, Penelope outwits her suitors by promising to choose a new husband after she finished weaving a burial shroud for her father-in-law — then unraveling it each night, buying years of time while waiting for Odysseus to return.

Variations

PénélopePenelopa

Nicknames

PennyNellNelliePoppyPip

Famous Bearers

  • ★Penelope Cruz (1974–)
    Spanish actress, Academy Award winner.

If you like Penelope…

Eleanor— shares the four-syllable classic elegance
Sophia— equally classical and romantic
Isabelle— another long, romantic literary name with strong history
Arabella— similarly lyrical long form with beloved short nicknames

Frequently Asked

What does the name Penelope mean?

Penelope is of Greek origin, possibly meaning 'weaver' from the root pene (bobbin). Her most famous bearer is the clever, faithful wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey.

How do you pronounce Penelope?

Penelope is said puh-NEL-uh-pee /pəˈnɛl.ə.pi/ — four syllables, with stress on the second.

Is Penelope a boy or girl name?

Penelope is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Penelope?

Penelope entered the U.S. top 20 girls' names by the early 2020s after a decade-long surge, appreciated for its classical grandeur and the friendly nickname Penny.