Penney

OriginGreek

Meaning"weaver"

GenderBoy & girl

US rank · girlsUnranked

Below 5 births

US rank · boysUnranked

Below 5 births

About Penney

Penney is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Penny, which originated as a nickname for Penelope. The name Penny also directly connects to the coin, deriving from the Old English "pening" and ultimately from the German "pfennig." The distinctive spelling with an extra 'e' emerged as a variant in the 20th century. While less common than the standard Penny spelling, Penney offers a slightly more elaborate look while maintaining the friendly, approachable sound. The name peaked in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s but has since become less common. Penney carries connotations of something valuable yet accessible, combining the vintage charm of the mid-century with the straightforward appeal of its simple pronunciation.

Penney for boys

Penney is primarily a surname of English origin that has occasionally been adopted as a masculine given name. Derived from the Old English 'penig' meaning 'penny,' it originally referred to someone who made or worked with money. The name has associations with commerce and value, and shares roots with the common female name Penny (often short for Penelope). As a given name for boys, Penney remains quite rare, maintaining an uncommon quality that appeals to parents seeking distinctive names. The spelling with an extra 'e' distinguishes it from the more familiar feminine version. In contemporary usage, Penney carries a slightly vintage feel with its surname-as-first-name styling, fitting into modern naming trends while maintaining uniqueness.

Pronounced PEN-ee.

As of October 2026, Penney ranked #17544 in US births in 2018 SSA, peaked at #1013 in 1962.