Penelope: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Penelope is a female name of Greek origin, often interpreted as meaning "weaver". A figure of faithfulness and cleverness in Greek mythology, it carries connotations of patience, intelligence, and enduring loyalty.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Greek |
| Meaning | Weaver (possibly); duck (alternative theory) |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | pə-NEL-ə-pee |
Etymology of Penelope
Penelope derives from the Greek name Penelopē (Πηνελόπη), which scholars often interpret as meaning "weaver" from the Greek elements pēnē (weft, thread) and lopē (unraveling or working). This etymology aligns with the mythological Penelope's famous act of weaving and unweaving a shroud to delay suitors.
An alternative theory suggests the name may derive from pēnelops, a type of duck mentioned in ancient texts, though this interpretation is less widely accepted among modern scholars. The weaving connection remains the most culturally resonant, given Penelope's central role in Homer's Odyssey as the patient wife who outwits her suitors through her craft.
The name entered English usage through classical education and literary tradition, particularly as interest in Greek mythology grew during the Renaissance and later Victorian periods.
Debated Origins
| Theory | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| "Weaver" (pēnē + lopē) | Oxford Dictionary of First Names | Most commonly cited; fits mythological narrative |
| "Duck" (pēnelops) | Ancient Greek texts | Less common; based on bird name in Homer |
The exact origin remains debated among scholars, though the "weaver" interpretation dominates modern usage.
History of Penelope
Origins and Early Use
Penelope first appears in Greek mythology as the wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey (8th century BCE). She is celebrated for her faithfulness and intelligence, famously delaying remarriage for twenty years by weaving a shroud by day and unweaving it by night while awaiting Odysseus's return from the Trojan War. This made Penelope a symbol of marital fidelity and clever resourcefulness in classical literature.
The name remained primarily literary and classical in Europe for centuries, used occasionally in educated circles familiar with Greek texts but not widely adopted as a given name until much later.
Rise to Popularity
Penelope began appearing as a given name in England during the 16th century, particularly among families with classical education. It saw modest use in the United States in the early 20th century, ranking around #1882 in the 1900s, but remained relatively uncommon.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1600s-1800s | Renaissance classical revival | Gradual adoption among educated English speakers |
| 1940s | Post-war period | Peak at #300 in the US; moderate popularity |
| 2000s-2020s | Celebrity usage (Penélope Cruz, Kourtney Kardashian's daughter) | Dramatic surge to top 30 |
Modern Usage
Penelope has experienced a remarkable resurgence in the 21st century. After declining through the 1980s and 1990s, it began climbing rapidly in the 2000s, breaking into the top 100 by 2013 and reaching a peak at #21 in 2022. As of 2024, it ranks #28 with 5,741 births, making it one of the most dramatic comeback stories in modern American naming trends.
The revival is often attributed to celebrity influence (actress Penélope Cruz, reality TV figure Kourtney Kardashian naming her daughter Penelope in 2012) and a broader trend toward classical, literary names with strong mythological roots.
Key insight: This name rose because of renewed interest in classical mythology and vintage names with strong feminine role models, appealing to parents seeking names that balance traditional elegance with modern sophistication.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Penelope when they want to convey intelligence, creativity, and timeless elegance, especially in contexts involving literary sophistication, mythological depth, and a blend of classic and contemporary style.
Variants of Penelope
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Penelope | Standard form |
| Spanish | Penélope | Accent on second 'e' |
| French | Pénélope | Accents on first and second 'e' |
| Italian | Penelope | Same spelling, different pronunciation (peh-NEH-loh-peh) |
| Greek | Πηνελόπη (Penelopē) | Original ancient form |
| Portuguese | Penélope | Spanish-style accent |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
- Penny
- Nell, Nellie
- Poppy
- Pen
- Lola (less common)
Similar Names
- Persephone - Another Greek mythological name, similar classical feel
- Ophelia - Shakespearean literary name with similar elegant sound
- Calliope - Greek mythology; shares the -ope ending
- Phoebe - Greek origin, simpler form, mythological connection
Penelope Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #1882 | 6 |
| 1920s | #1013 | 54 |
| 1940s | #300 | 439 |
| 1960s | #549 | 316 |
| 1980s | #1471 | 83 |
| 2000s | #1419 | 131 |
| 2020s | #25 | 6,149 |
| 2024s | #28 | 5,741 |
Peak: 2022, ranked #21 (6,424 births)
Current (2024): #28 (5,741 births)
Trend analysis: Penelope's surge since the 2000s reflects broader cultural trends toward vintage, literary names and the influence of celebrity naming choices. Its mythological pedigree and elegant sound have made it a top choice for parents seeking names that feel both timeless and contemporary.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Penelope as a Username
Availability
"penelope" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region. Due to its current popularity (#28 in 2024), securing the plain form is increasingly difficult.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | penelope | Professional (if available) |
| With numbers | penelope99, penelope24 | Gaming, casual platforms |
| Abbreviated | penny, penelopep | Social media |
| Stylized | xpenelope, penelopex | Creative, preserves core sound |
| Nickname-based | penny_lane, nell_p | Instagram, TikTok |
Digital Impression
Penelope as an ID tends to project:
- Literary sophistication - because of its mythological and classical roots
- Feminine elegance - because of its flowing sound and historical association with grace
- Intelligence and creativity - because of the mythological Penelope's cleverness and craft
Best for: Professional profiles, creative portfolios, literary or educational platforms, personal branding with a classic, sophisticated tone.
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want a shorter, more modern-sounding handle.
Is Penelope good for a username?
Penelope works well as a username if you value classic elegance, literary depth, and a feminine yet strong impression. However, due to its high popularity (#28 in 2024), you may need variations like "penelopep", "penny", or "xpenelope" to secure availability on major platforms.
FAQ
What does Penelope mean?
Penelope most commonly means "weaver" from the Greek elements pēnē (thread) and lopē (working/unraveling). An alternative theory suggests it derives from a Greek word for "duck," though this is less widely accepted.
Is Penelope popular?
According to SSA data, Penelope ranks #28 in the US (2024). It is currently very popular, peaking at #21 in 2022, after a dramatic rise from near-obscurity in the 1980s.
What are nicknames for Penelope?
Common nicknames: Penny, Nell, Nellie, Poppy, Pen.
Is Penelope a boy's or girl's name?
Penelope is traditionally a female name. It remains almost exclusively used for girls, with its mythological and historical associations firmly rooted in femininity.
How do you pronounce Penelope?
Penelope is pronounced pə-NEL-ə-pee in English. In Spanish and Italian, stress patterns differ slightly (peh-NEH-loh-peh).
Is Penelope good for a username?
Penelope works well as a username if you value literary elegance and classic sophistication, though availability may require variation due to its popularity.
Related Names
- Persephone - Greek mythology; shares classical elegance and mythological depth
- Phoebe - Simpler Greek mythological name, similar ancient roots
- Penny - Common nickname for Penelope, often preferred for digital IDs due to brevity
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026