Penelope
p(e)-nelo-pe,
pen(e)-lope
US Popularity:74
Origin:Greek
Meaning:Weaver; Duck
Penelope is a feminine name of Greek origin. It translates from its original tongue to “weaver” and "duck," and can be traced as far back as the Ancient Greeks as depicted in Homer’s Odyssey. In this tale, Penelope was the queen of Ithaca and the wife of the hero Odysseus. While Odysseus fought in the Trojan War, the much sought after Penelope would remain faithful to her husband and delay her suitors by pretending to weave a seemingly neverending burial shroud. Craftiness like this makes the name perfect for a baby that is part of a family of creatives. Penelope is an elegant name for the lovers of classics among us, but it can be clipped to the ever-chic nickname Penny if that’s more your style.
Common Nicknames for Penelope
Nothing is really quite as cute as baby—but the perfect nickname comes close. From the catchy to the cool, the options for Penelope are so sweet you just can’t help but say, “awww!” And we’ve rounded them up for you and your adorable baby below.
How Popular Is The Name Penelope?
The Bump Ranking
Overall:Penelope is currently #60 on The Bump
Girl:Penelope is currently #42 on The Bump Girl Names
U.S. Births
Overall:Penelope is currently #74 in U.S. births
Girl:Penelope is currently #23 in U.S. births
Yearly Ranking Change:
Year:
2023
#23
in 2023
- 2
from 2022
Sources
100,000+ Baby Names by Bruce Lanksy, pg. 249
Online Etymology Dictionary, Penelope, March 2020
WordSense, Penelope
Behind the Name, Penelope, January 2022
Britannica, Penelope, Greek mythology, September 2022
Study.com, Penelope in the Odyssey by Homer
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