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Penelope

The name Penelope peaked for boys at #8005 in 2021. Penelope is also used for girls, ranking #22 in 2025.

The name Penelope is a girl's name of Greek origin meaning "weaver".

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As elegant and refined as it is sweet and energized., Penelope has been well and truly revived in the 21st-century. Off the Top 1000 for 25 years, Penelope jumped back on in 2001 and has been heading uphill ever since, propelled by the trend for mythological names, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, and some high-profile celebrity babies. 
 
In Greek mythology, Penelope was the wife of Odysseus in Homer's Epic, the Odyssey. It has two possible origin stories—Penelope was either derived from the Greek pēnē, meaning "thread of a bobbin", or from penelops, a type of duck. Mythological Penelope was cared for by a duck as an infant, and later was known for fending off would-be suitors by pretending to weave a garment, so both meanings fit. 
 
Penelope's status as a Kardashian baby name -- Kourtney's daughter Penelope was born in 2012 -- brought the ancient name to widespread attention. Given to 1871 American babies in 2011,this figure had increased to 2536 in 2012, and to 4292 in 2013, revealing the power pop culture can exert.
 
Also chosen by celebs such as Tina Fey, by Anna Chlumsky, and by Natalie and Taylor Hanson, fictional Penelopes have appeared in Thunderbirds, Desperate Housewives, Lost, and Harry Potter.
 A perennial Nameberry favorite, Penelope can be shortened to the traditional Penny, or perhaps to Nell, Pepper, Poppy, Lola, Pip, Lolo, Polly, or Poe. 
 
In a recent year, Penelope was a Top 30 choice in the US, a Top 50 name in England and Wales, Australia, New Zealand,, and Canada, and a Top 150 option in Scotland and Italy.

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The name Penelope is currently ranked #22 in U.S. births. and peaked for girls at #21 in 2022. The name is most popular in Alaska, Alaska, and Alaska. Penelope is occasionally used for boys in 2024.

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