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Penelope Girl

Popularity: #28 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationpuh-NEL-uh-pee / /pəˈnɛləpi/

Greek; Latin

Meaning

Greek: Weaver; Latin: Dreamer

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Penelope has its roots in ancient Greek, derived from the word "pēnē," which means "thread" or "weft," and is often associated with weaving. The earliest recorded use of the name can be traced back to the epic poem "The Odyssey," attributed to Homer in the 8th century BCE, where Penelope is the faithful wife of Odysseus. Her character is emblematic of loyalty and patience, as she waits for her husband's return from the Trojan War while fending off numerous suitors. The name's association with this literary figure contributed to its enduring presence in Western culture.

Throughout history, Penelope has been adopted in various forms across different languages and cultures. In Latin, the name was retained as "Penelope," and it appeared in Roman literature, further solidifying its place in classical tradition. The name was also popularized in medieval Europe, particularly during the Renaissance, when classical texts were rediscovered and celebrated. Notably, the name appears in various translations of the Bible and other significant literary works, reinforcing its cultural significance.

In addition to its literary roots, Penelope has been associated with themes of fidelity and domesticity, often symbolizing the ideal of the devoted wife. This cultural resonance has allowed the name to persist through centuries, appearing in various artistic representations, including paintings and operas. The diminutive form "Penny" has also emerged, reflecting a more casual or affectionate usage, though it is less historically significant than the full name. Overall, Penelope's rich etymological background and historical milestones contribute to its lasting legacy in literature and culture.

Trend Summary

Penelope has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Penny
  • Nellie

International Variants

  • Penélope (Spanish)
  • Penelope (Italian)
  • Penelopé (French)

Famous people named Penelope

Penelope Cruz is an actress best known for Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Volver.

Penelope Wilton is an actress best known for Downton Abbey, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Shaun of the Dead.

Fictional characters named Penelope

Penelope Pitstop is a fictional character from the animated television series Wacky Races. She is a glamorous and resourceful racer known for her pink car and her attempts to outsmart the villainous Dick Dastardly.

Penelope Garcia is a fictional character from the TV series Criminal Minds. She is a technical analyst who provides crucial support to the Behavioral Analysis Unit with her computer skills and quirky personality.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Penelope was first seen in the United States in 1880. Penelope has ranked as high as #68 nationally, which occurred in 2019, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Penelope has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Penelope (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 779
14%
TX 557
10%
FL 348
6%
NY 323
6%
OH 219
4%
IL 210
4%
PA 209
4%
NC 192
3%
WA 166
3%
AZ 164
3%
NJ 164
3%
VA 148
3%
MA 136
2%
IN 130
2%
GA 127
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18805
18836
18867
18888
18898
18905
18919
18936
18955
18966
18985
19006
19025
19065
19075
19098
19108
19117
191211
191313
191416
191531
191637
191732
191844
191949
192054
192145
192261
192358
192465
192566
192664
192757
192849
192943
193044
193137
193245
193340
193443
193569
1936102
1937173
1938188
1939368
1940439
1941546
1942670
1943643
1944678
1945509
1946641
1947796
1948782
1949679
1950646
1951568
1952529
1953537
1954482
1955419
1956380
1957422
1958387
1959388
1960316
1961310
1962286
1963322
1964266
1965265
1966223
1967255
1968282
1969345
1970315
1971205
1972219
1973222
1974184
1975160
1976121
1977119
1978108
1979101
198083
198178
198262
198367
198459
198556
198654
198763
198847
198942
199059
199161
199263
199354
199465
199594
199680
199799
1998117
1999102
2000131
2001235
2002346
2003367
2004424
2005513
2006649
2007796
2008919
20091,297
20101,547
20111,871
20122,536
20134,292
20145,089
20155,952
20166,397
20176,667
20186,523
20196,733
20206,149
20216,364
20226,424
20236,065
20245,741