Penelope
Penelope is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Weaver or duck.
Origin and history
Penelope is a classical name of Ancient Greek origin, famous from Homer's Odyssey. In the United States, it was used modestly for over a century before experiencing a dramatic surge in popularity during the 2010s and 2020s. Today, it is widely recognized as a stylish and modern top-tier choice for girls.
Popularity in the United States
109,480 babies in the United States have been named Penelope since 1880. It ranks #353 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #24.
States where it is most popular
- CA (15.4 %)
- TX (9.4 %)
- NY (6.8 %)
- FL (5.3 %)
- IL (4.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 34 |
| 1890-1900 | 36 |
| 1900-1910 | 29 |
| 1910-1920 | 248 |
| 1920-1930 | 562 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,109 |
| 1940-1950 | 6,383 |
| 1950-1960 | 4,758 |
| 1960-1970 | 2,871 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,750 |
| 1980-1990 | 609 |
| 1990-2000 | 795 |
| 2000-2010 | 5,677 |
| 2010-2019 | 47,614 |
| 2020-2029 | 37,005 |
Famous people named Penelope
- Penélope Cruz: actress
- Penelope Wilton: actress
- Penelope Ann Miller: actress
Nicknames
Penny, Pen, Nellie, Nell
Fun facts
- In Homer's Odyssey, Penelope was the faithful wife of Odysseus, known for her cleverness and patience.
- After decades of moderate use, the name rose sharply in U.S. popularity during the 2010s to become a top 25 girl's name.