Penelope

#6 in Alaska

Meaning of Penelope

Penelope is a timeless and elegant name of Greek origin, meaning "weaver." It is famously associated with the loyal and clever wife of Odysseus in Homer's epic, "The Odyssey." In this classic tale, Penelope is celebrated for her intelligence and fidelity as she patiently waits for her husband's return from the Trojan War. The name Penelope has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years, consistently ranking within the top 50 names for girls in the United States since 2014. Pronounced puh-NEL-uh-pee (/pəˈnɛlipi/), it carries an air of sophistication while also offering the charmingly simple nickname Penny. This name's enduring appeal lies in its rich historical roots and its modern-day versatility, making it a beloved choice among parents.

Pronunciation

British English

  • Pronunced as puh-NEL-uh-pee (/pəˈnɛlipi/)

American English

  • Pronunced as puh-NEL-uh-pee (/pəˈnɛlɪpi/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

States Popularity Chart

Notable People Named Penelope

Penelope Jane Leach is a prominent British psychologist known for her extensive research and writing on parenting issues from a child development perspective.
Dame Penelope Alice Wilton, Lady Holm, is a renowned English actress.
Penelope Scott is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and producer known for her independent music production and her hit song "Rät" that peaked at no. 29 on Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Chart.
Penelope Ann Miller, also known as Penelope Miller, is an American actress who started her career on Broadway and received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the 1989 revival of Our Town.
Dame Penelope Margaret Lively is a renowned British writer who has achieved acclaim for her fiction for both children and adults, winning prestigious awards such as the Booker Prize and the Carnegie Medal.
Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, is a British aristocrat and the High Steward of Romsey.
Penelope Skinner is a British playwright known for her critically acclaimed play "Fucked," which brought her to prominence in 2008, and has since had other successful productions at various prestigious theaters in London.
Penelope Tree is an English fashion model known for her prominence during the swinging sixties in London.
Penelope Anne Coelen is a South African former actress, model, and beauty queen who made history as the first major international titleholder from Africa by winning Miss World 1958.
Penelope Brudenell, Countess of Cardigan, was the spouse of Robert Brudenell, 6th Earl of Cardigan.
Penélope Cruz Sánchez is a highly acclaimed Spanish actress who has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Rachel Elizabeth Morgan
Curated byRachel Elizabeth Morgan

Assistant Editor