Girl name origins & meanings
- Greek : Bobbin-weaver
What does Penelope mean and stand for?
The name Penelope, meaning "weaver", is of German origin and was first used in Greek mythology. It is also derived from the name of Homer's character.
Syllables: 4
Girl name variations
How Popular Is The Name Penelope
Famous people with this first name
Famous people who gave their babies this name
Popularity
According to Social Security Administration data, Penelope rose from obscurity in 2001 at spot 941, and has continued to grow in popularity since then. It broke and has remained in the top 30 names since 2016.
However, it is the 37th most popular name on FamilyEducation.com.
According to Google search data analysis, in the last five years Emma was at its peak popularity in February 2016.
While the name Penelope, meaning weaver, has been in use since Greek mythology, it is more popular than ever today. The name was made relevant by Homer’s Odyssey, in which it was given to the wife of Odysseus. The classic name is said to have risen so quickly on the charts due to the popularity of celebrities choosing it for their children. Celebs like Kourtney Kardashian, Tina Fey, and Anna Chlumsky have all named their daughters Penelope. It was also used in the Harry Potter series.
Where Is It Popular?
Nicknames for Penelope
- Nelly
- Penny
- Poppy
Pairs well with these middle names
Appears on
- 20 Baby Names With Even Better Nicknames
- When Should You Reveal Or Announce Your Baby Name?
- Top Baby Name Trends for 2017
- 100 Beautiful Girl Names with Meanings
- First Names Starting with A-Z
- 75 Old Money Baby Names That Sound Rich and Glamorous
- Greek First Names and Meanings