Penelope: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Penelope mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Greek: Weaver
Latin: Faithful wife

Gender: Female

Syllables: 4

Pronunciation: The name Penelope is pronounced peh-nuh-loh-pee

The name Penelope is derived from Greek mythology, where it belonged to the wife of Odysseus, known for her loyalty and cunning in Homer's Odyssey. The name’s meaning is often associated with weaving, a nod to Penelope's tale of weaving a shroud during her husband’s long absence. The Roman interpretation also highlights her as a symbol of faithfulness and devotion.

Girl name variations

Famous people with this first name

Penelope Cruz

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Penelope in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds - A quirky and talented technical analyst for the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.
Penelope Featherington from Bridgerton - A kind and intelligent young woman with a secret identity as a gossip columnist.
Penelope Pitstop from Wacky Races - A glamorous and resourceful racer who often finds herself in need of rescuing.
Penelope Clearwater from Harry Potter - A Ravenclaw student and Percy Weasley’s girlfriend.
Penelope Alvarez from One Day at a Time - A single mother and Army veteran balancing family life and her career as a nurse.

Popularity of the Name Penelope

According to Social Security Administration data, Penelope has been consistently popular in the United States, ranking within the top 50 names for baby girls since 2013. It was the 23rd most popular name during 2023. The name Penelope is of Greek origin and means "weaver." This name gained popularity partly due to its association with Penelope, the faithful wife of Odysseus in Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey.

Notable individuals named Penelope include British actress Penelope Wilton, known for her roles in Downton Abbey and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and American actress Penelope Cruz, who has starred in films such as Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Fictional characters named Penelope appear in various media, including Penelope Garcia from the TV series Criminal Minds and Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward from the classic series Thunderbirds.