Penelope: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced puh-NEL-uh-pee · 4 syllables
Penelope means “weaver”, from Greek.
From Ancient Greek (Penelope), possibly from (penelops, “duck”).
- Meaning
- weaver
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- puh-NEL-uh-pee
- US rank (2025)
- #22
- US babies a year
- about 6,175 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Rising, Mythic
- Nicknames
- Penny
How popular is Penelope?
Penelope was the #22 name in the US in 2025, given to 6,225 babies. It’s rising: up 56% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Most popular in Alaska (#5), Oregon (#9).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #22 |
| England & Wales | #44 |
| Scotland | #109 |
| Northern Ireland | #111 |
| Ireland | #149 |
| France | #462 |
| Canada | #62 |
| Australia | #41 |
How old are people named Penelope?
Half of US adults named Penelope are older than 60; most are between 18 and 84. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Penelope
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Penelope have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Penelope
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Philippa
- Jorja
- Freya
- Lorelei
- Nyla
- Peter
- Christopher
- Andrew
- Timothy
- Elizabeth
- Felicity
- Sidonie
- Caroline
- Susan
- Michael
- Richard
On these lists
Questions about Penelope
What does the name Penelope mean?
Penelope means “weaver”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Penelope?
Penelope is pronounced puh-NEL-uh-pee.
How popular is the name Penelope?
Penelope was the #22 name in the US in 2025, given to 6,225 babies. It’s rising: up 56% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Penelope?
Half of US adults named Penelope are older than 60. Most are between 18 and 84.