Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Penelope
GirlGreek· “uncertain; possibly duck or weaver”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly duck or weaver (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- puh-NEL-uh-pee
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #22
- US babies 2025
- 6,225
- Best rank
- #21 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2019
Meaning and origin of Penelope
Penelope is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly duck or weaver”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
Penelope is the name of the faithful wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, who waits years for his return and delays her suitors by weaving and secretly unraveling a burial shroud. The origin of the name is uncertain. It is often linked to the Greek penelops, a kind of duck, or to pene, meaning thread, which would suit her weaving, but neither explanation is settled. The name was used in England from the sixteenth century onward and has returned as a vintage favorite. Penny and Nell are classic nicknames, and Poppy is sometimes used as a playful alternative.
Popularity over time
Penelope has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 75 different years. Its best national rank was #21 in 2022, and the most babies received it in 2019, when 6,734 were named Penelope. In 2025, 6,225 babies were named Penelope, and it ranked #22 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,013 in 1920, #305 in 1950, #1,470 in 1980, #1,419 in 2000, #200 in 2010, and #22 in 2025. Of the 109,480 US girls named Penelope since records began, 43% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 37,005 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Layla, Aria, Gianna, Camila, and Mila.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Penelope ranked highest in Alaska, Oregon, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #7 | 24 |
| Oregon | #9 | 98 |
| Connecticut | #12 | 84 |
| Illinois | #15 | 255 |
| Kansas | #15 | 77 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Penelope is usually pronounced puh-NEL-uh-pee, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with P and ends in “-pe”.
Middle names for Penelope
A few middle names that flow with Penelope: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Penelope
Similar names
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kuh-LY-uh-pee
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hur-MY-uh-nee
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KLOH-ee
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Ariana Girl
ar-ee-AH-nuh
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ar-ee-AH-nuh
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ih-VAN-juh-leen
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Helena Girl
HEH-luh-nuh
“uncertain; possibly torch or light” · Greek
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Ariadne Girl
air-ee-AD-nee
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Andromeda Girl
an-DRAH-muh-duh
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Olivia Girl
oh-LIH-vee-uh
“olive” · Latin
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Isabella Girl
ih-zuh-BEH-luh
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Lists that include Penelope
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Penelope mean?
Penelope is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly duck or weaver”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Penelope?
Penelope has Greek roots. Penelope is the name of the faithful wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, who waits years for his return and delays her suitors by weaving and secretly unraveling a burial shroud.
Is Penelope a popular name?
Yes. Penelope ranked #22 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Penelope a boy or girl name?
Penelope is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Penelope?
Penelope is usually pronounced puh-NEL-uh-pee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings