Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Penn
BoyEnglish, Welsh· “English surname, "enclosure" or "hill"”
- Meaning
- English surname, "enclosure" or "hill"
- Origin
- English, Welsh
- Pronunciation
- PEHN
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #2,706
- US babies 2025
- 48
- Best rank
- #1,869 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Penn
Penn is an English and Welsh name that is usually said to mean “English surname, "enclosure" or "hill"”.
Penn is an English surname with two likely roots: Old English penn, an enclosure or animal pen, and the Brythonic pen, meaning head or hilltop, found in many place names in Wales, Cornwall and the west of England. Its best-known bearer is William Penn, the Quaker founder of the colony that became Pennsylvania, whose name is built on his family's surname. It is said PEHN, as one crisp syllable. As a first name it belongs with Beck, Reid and Lane, short surnames that sound tailored. It also has a literary echo through the word pen, which some writing families enjoy.
Popularity over time
Penn first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,869 in 2014, the same year it reached its highest count of 79 babies. In 2025, 48 babies were named Penn, and it ranked #2,706 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,808 in 1920, #8,888 in 2000, #3,607 in 2010, and #2,706 in 2025. Of the 1,208 US boys named Penn since records began, 45% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 350 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Burke, Nicolai, Jakhi, Tejas, and Kaeson.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Penn ranked highest in North Carolina and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | #1422 | 5 |
| Texas | #2492 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Penn over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Penn is usually pronounced PEHN, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with P and ends in “-nn”.
Middle names for Penn
A few middle names that flow with Penn: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Penn
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Lists that include Penn
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Penn mean?
Penn is an English and Welsh name that is usually said to mean “English surname, "enclosure" or "hill"”.
What is the origin of the name Penn?
Penn has English and Welsh roots. Penn is an English surname with two likely roots: Old English penn, an enclosure or animal pen, and the Brythonic pen, meaning head or hilltop, found in many place names in Wales, Cornwall and the west of England.
Is Penn a popular name?
Not especially. Penn ranked #2,706 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Penn a boy or girl name?
Penn is mainly a boy's name. About 98% of US babies named Penn over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Penn?
Penn is usually pronounced PEHN. 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