Origin, Meaning, and History of Penelope
The name Penelope is of Greek origin and means “weaver.” The name is believed to have come from the Greek word “pēnelops,” which means “duck.” Some scholars have suggested that the name was originally a byname or nickname for a girl who resembles a duck. In contrast, others believe it is a reference to the weaving skills of the mythical Penelope.
Penelope is a figure from ancient Greek mythology. In Homer’s “The Odyssey,” she was the wife of Odysseus and is remembered for her unwavering faithfulness and loyalty during the ten years when her husband was away fighting in the Trojan War.
While Odysseus was gone, Penelope came across numerous suitors who wanted to marry her. To stall the event, she told the suitors that she would make a final decision on who to marry once she had finished weaving a shroud for her father-in-law. However, each night she would undo her work so that the shroud was never completed. Through her clever actions, Penelope could maintain her loyalty to Odysseus and preserve her household until he returned.
In literature and art, Penelope is often portrayed as a symbol of devotion, loyalty, and intelligence. The name is associated with a strong and steadfast woman who remains true to her beliefs and commitments.
Several notable persons made the name even more popular. They include American actress Penelope Ann Miller known for her role in Freshman released in 1990, American film and documentary director Penelope Spheesris famous for The Decline Of Western Civilization triology, and Australian TV actress Penelope Mitchell.
Penelope has maintained its place in the top 1000 baby names for girls in the US for over a century. However, the name’s popularity took a hit between 1975 and 2000. The name started picking up in the 2000s when celebrities like Taylor Hanson, Tina Fey, and Kourtney Kardashian chose it for their daughters.
How To Pronounce Penelope?
Famous people with the name Penelope
- Penelope CruzSpanish actress, won many Academy awards
- Penelope Ann MillerAmerican actress, popular in Broadway
- Penelope MitchellAustralian TV actress
- Penelope SpheerisAmerican director, best known for her documentaries
- Penelope KeithEnglish actress, popular for British sitcoms
- Penelope LivelyBritish novelist, winner of the Booker Prize
Penelope On The Popularity Chart
The recent popularity of name has likely contributed to the popularity of the name Penelope. You can check out more details here.
Popularity Over Time
In the US, the name reached its height of popularity after 2010 and since then it remained on the top.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
According to the Social Security Administration’s list of the most popular baby names, Penelope ranked 23 in for girls in 2021. Have a look at the graph to better understand the name’s ranking over the years.
Source: Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Penelope
If you liked the sound of Penelope but want to check more options, here are some suggestions to consider.
Popular Sibling Names For Penelope
Names With Similar Meaning As Penelope
Like what Penelope means, but want a different name to go with the same meaning? Check out the options here.
Infographic: Know The Name’s Personality As Per Numerology
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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How To Communicate The Name In Other Languages
In Nautical Flags
penelope
In Sign Language
penelope
In Braille Alphabet
penelope
In Morse Code
penelope
Name Numerology For Penelope
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the name Penelope mean in the Bible?
There is no direct reference to Penelope in the Bible as the name comes from Greek roots.
2. Is Penelope a southern name?
No, Penelope is a Greek name, but parents from various regions use it for their baby. People have been using names from across regions and cultures to bring in a special identity.
3. What is a good middle name to go with Penelope?
Some of the middle names that go well with Penelope are Celeste, Elizabeth, Grace, Amelia, and Faith. However, the list is not restrictive as you can get creative with it.
4. Is there a Disney character named Penelope?
There is no Disney character named Penelope but Venellope von Schweetz is a character in the Disney movie Wreck-It-Ralph.
