Peniel Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: peh-NEEL //pəˈniːəl//
Origin: Hebrew; English
Meaning: face of God (Hebrew); a place of meeting (English)
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Peniel has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the word "Penuel," which means "face of God." This etymology is significant as it reflects a biblical narrative where the patriarch Jacob encounters God and names the place Peniel after wrestling with an angel. The name transitioned into Greek as "Penuel" and was later adopted into Latin, maintaining its original meaning.
The introduction of the name into English occurred through biblical translations, particularly the King James Bible in the early 17th century, which popularized many Hebrew names and terms among English speakers. Historically, Peniel is referenced in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis, where it is associated with Jacob's transformative experience.
This encounter is pivotal in the biblical narrative, marking a moment of divine revelation and personal change. The significance of Peniel is further underscored by its mention in various biblical commentaries and texts throughout the centuries, reinforcing its importance within the Judeo-Christian tradition.
The name has been borne by various figures in religious contexts, contributing to its enduring legacy. Culturally, Peniel symbolizes a profound connection to faith and divine encounters, resonating with themes of struggle, transformation, and spiritual awakening.
The name evokes a sense of reverence and is often associated with the idea of seeking and encountering the divine. While diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist, such as "Penny," the original form retains its historical and spiritual significance, reflecting a deep-rooted heritage that has persisted through time.
Famous people named Peniel
In this section, you will find notable people named Peniel. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Peniel who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Peniel who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Peniel Shin is a singer and rapper best known for being a member of the boy band BTOB.
Peniel is a television personality best known for his work on various South Korean variety shows.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Peniel, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Peniel was first seen in the United States in 1997.
Peniel has ranked as high as #8653 nationally, which occurred in 2020, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Peniel has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Peniel is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Peniel was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Peniel.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 2024 | 18 | 7 | 11 |
| 2023 | 18 | 6 | 12 |
| 2022 | 15 | 8 | 7 |
| 2021 | 15 | 6 | 9 |
| 2020 | 25 | 8 | 17 |
| 2019 | 22 | 9 | 13 |
| 2018 | 24 | 14 | 10 |
| 2017 | 22 | 9 | 13 |
| 2016 | 21 | 11 | 10 |
| 2015 | 16 | 6 | 10 |
| 2014 | 16 | 7 | 9 |
| 2013 | 20 | 11 | 9 |
| 2012 | 13 | 8 | 5 |
| 2011 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 2010 | 15 | 10 | 5 |
| 2009 | 13 | 8 | 5 |
| 2008 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 2007 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 2006 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| 2004 | 13 | 7 | 6 |
| 2003 | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1997 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Top States for Peniel
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
No state data available for this year.