Penny
Penny is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Weaver, or named after the duck species (penelops).
Origin and history
Penny originated as a English diminutive of Penelope, which traces back to ancient Greek mythology. It gained independence as a standalone given name in the mid-20th century. In the United States, it remains a familiar classic name, often chosen for its friendly and vintage appeal.
Popularity in the United States
100,619 babies in the United States have been named Penny since 1880. It ranks #374 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #702.
States where it is most popular
- CA (7.8 %)
- OH (6.8 %)
- IL (6.1 %)
- MI (5.9 %)
- NY (5.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 11 |
| 1890-1900 | 29 |
| 1900-1910 | 50 |
| 1910-1920 | 146 |
| 1920-1930 | 467 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,128 |
| 1940-1950 | 13,113 |
| 1950-1960 | 25,123 |
| 1960-1970 | 38,220 |
| 1970-1980 | 12,578 |
| 1980-1990 | 2,951 |
| 1990-2000 | 783 |
| 2000-2010 | 623 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,024 |
| 2020-2029 | 2,373 |
Famous people named Penny
- Penny Marshall: Actress, Director
- Penny Hardaway: Basketball Player, Coach
- Penny Pritzker: Business Executive, Government Official
Fun facts
- Though used independently today, Penny derived from Penelope, the faithful wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey.
- Penny peaked as a standalone given name in the United States during the mid-20th century.