Girls · #22 in 2025
Penelope: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Greek
- Meaning
- Uncertain; possibly connected with a word for duck
- Pronunciation
- puh-NEL-uh-pee, peh-NEL-uh-pee
- Nickname options
- Penny, Nell, Poppy
Origin and meaning
Penelope is the name of Odysseus's wife in Greek mythology. Its etymology is uncertain, with a Greek word for duck among the proposals. Her famous weaving story is an association with the character, not a securely established translation of the name.
U.S. popularity
Penelope ranked #22 for girls in the United States in 2025, with 6,225 girls given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #21, reached in 2022. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Penelope has a joyful, tumbling rhythm and plenty of room for personality. Penny makes it approachable, Nell makes it quieter, and the full name feels theatrical in a charming way. It suits parents who enjoy a substantial name with playful possibilities.
Things to consider
The written ending can surprise someone meeting the name for the first time. Try your preferred nickname alongside the full name and surname.
If you love Penelope, consider…
- Josephine: Offers another long classic with lively nicknames.
- Eloise: Keeps the playful rhythm in a shorter shape.
- Eleanor: Brings a more composed version of the style.
- Phoebe: Shares the bright ending and Greek feel.
- Daphne: Offers a compact, spirited alternative.
- Adeline: Softens the sound while keeping vintage elegance.
- Genevieve: Adds a more flowing, elaborate option.
- Penny: Keeps the affectionate everyday version.