Penny

♀ Girl

Pronounced PEN-ee /ˈpɛn.i/High

Meaning: Short form of Penelope, from the Greek Penelope (Πηνελόπη), meaning 'weaver' (from pene, the weft thread of a loom) or possibly 'duck' (from penelops, a type of duck); Penelope was the faithful wife of Odysseus in Homer's OdysseyHigh

In 30 seconds: Penny is the sunny, cheerful short form of Penelope — all the classic mythology and weaving symbolism distilled into two bright syllables. Warm and retro-sweet, it is enjoying a genuine revival as parents rediscover vintage nickname-names.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningShort form of Penelope, from the Greek Penelope (Πηνελόπη), meaning 'weaver' (from pene, the weft thread of a loom) or possibly 'duck' (from penelops, a type of duck); Penelope was the faithful wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey

U.S. rank (2025)#740 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births368 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1963

Total births (all-time)≈ 100,615

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Penny is a diminutive of Penelope, the Greek name meaning 'weaver.' Penelope was the loyal wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey. The name entered English use during the Renaissance when classical names were fashionable, and Penny developed as a nickname. It became an independent given name in the 20th century.

Penny peaked in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. It is now experiencing a warm revival as parents embrace vintage nickname-names alongside Ruby, Rosie, and Sadie. TV's The Big Bang Theory featured a beloved character named Penny, giving it continued cultural visibility.

Did you know? In Homer's Odyssey, Penelope waited 20 years for her husband Odysseus to return from Troy, fending off suitors by weaving a funeral shroud during the day and unraveling it at night. The strategy of Penelope's web has become a lasting metaphor for patient cunning — making Penny a name with hidden depths.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Penny — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

PenelopePenniPennie

Nicknames

Pen

Famous Bearers

★Penny (The Big Bang Theory) (fictional)
Fictional main character of the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019), played by Kaley Cuoco.

If you like Penny…

Ruby— shares the warm, cheerful vintage nickname-name quality in the same revival wave

Rosie— fellow bright retro -ie/-y ending name with the same sunny, friendly personality

Sadie— parallel vintage nickname-name with the same endearing, approachable warmth

Polly— shares the vintage 1950s charm and the same short, sweet two-syllable retro feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Penny mean?

Penny means 'weaver' as a short form of Penelope, from Greek pene (weft thread). Penelope was the faithful wife of Odysseus in the Odyssey.

How do you pronounce Penny?

Penny is pronounced PEN-ee /ˈpɛn.i/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Penny making a comeback?

Yes, Penny is enjoying a warm revival as parents rediscover cheerful vintage nickname-names alongside Ruby, Rosie, and Sadie.

Is Penny a full name or a nickname?

Penny is used both as a standalone given name and as a nickname for Penelope.