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Penny Girl

Popularity: #592 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationPEN-ee / /ˈpɛni/

English; Greek

Meaning

English: Weaver; Greek: Flower

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Penny is derived from the Old English word "pening," which referred to a coin or a unit of currency. This term has its roots in the Proto-Germanic *punninga, which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the Old High German "pfennig" and the Dutch "penning." The transition of the name into English can be traced through the Norman influence in the 11th century, where it began to be used as a diminutive form of the name Penelope, which itself comes from the Greek "Penelopē," a figure from Homer's "Odyssey." The name Penelope means "weaver," reflecting the character's association with fidelity and cleverness in Greek mythology.

Historically, the name Penny gained prominence as a standalone name in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. It was popularized through various literary works and cultural references. One notable figure is Penny Lane, a street in Liverpool famously referenced in the Beatles' song of the same name, which contributed to the name's cultural resonance in the 20th century. Additionally, the name has been associated with various saints, particularly Saint Penelope, a martyr from the early Christian era, although detailed records of her life are scarce.

Culturally, the name Penny has come to symbolize notions of value and worth, akin to its monetary origins. It is often associated with themes of simplicity and charm, making it a favored choice in literature and media. The diminutive form "Pen" is also historically relevant, often used affectionately in various contexts. Overall, the name Penny encapsulates a blend of historical significance, cultural symbolism, and linguistic evolution, reflecting its enduring appeal through the centuries.

Trend Summary

Penny has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Pen
  • Penelope

International Variants

  • Penny (English)
  • Penélope (Spanish)
  • Pénélope (French)

Famous people named Penny

Penny Marshall was an actress and director best known for Laverne & Shirley, Big, and A League of Their Own.

Fictional characters named Penny

Penny is a fictional character from the TV show The Big Bang Theory. She is a waitress and aspiring actress who becomes an integral part of the main characters' lives.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Penny was first seen in the United States in 1882. Penny has ranked as high as #162 nationally, which occurred in 1963, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, Illinois, New York, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Penny has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Penny (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 41
13%
CA 36
11%
UT 27
8%
WA 17
5%
CO 16
5%
OH 15
5%
FL 15
5%
AZ 14
4%
MN 13
4%
GA 12
4%
NY 11
3%
VA 11
3%
IL 9
3%
MA 9
3%
PA 9
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18825
18886
18906
18926
18975
18987
18995
19005
19017
19047
19058
19065
19076
19087
19095
19107
19115
19129
191311
191413
191513
191620
191715
191821
191932
192026
192134
192230
192368
192452
192569
192652
192747
192851
192938
193030
193130
193224
193340
193451
193574
1936100
1937165
1938234
1939380
1940493
1941637
1942992
19431,203
19441,204
19451,131
19461,645
19472,101
19481,861
19491,846
19501,751
19512,077
19522,091
19532,153
19542,134
19552,213
19562,348
19573,045
19583,556
19593,756
19604,302
19614,636
19625,003
19635,127
19644,396
19653,899
19663,109
19672,812
19682,575
19692,360
19702,145
19712,001
19721,587
19731,471
19741,174
19751,027
1976870
1977856
1978750
1979697
1980556
1981482
1982379
1983295
1984280
1985270
1986210
1987171
1988151
1989158
1990121
1991102
199291
199388
199480
199564
199662
199762
199858
199954
200053
200138
200249
200344
200453
200551
200660
200780
200890
2009105
2010153
2011165
2012233
2013251
2014345
2015372
2016419
2017360
2018363
2019362
2020383
2021408
2022402
2023433
2024376