All about the name

Penelopie

Female

« Penelope is a unique Greek female name derived from "penelops," meaning "weaver." It gained fame through Homer's Odyssey, where Penelopê was Odysseus' faithful wife. The name symbolizes intelligence, loyalty, and adaptability. »

#20344 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Penelope is a unique and charming female name with Greek origins. It is derived from the Greek word "penelops," which means "weaver." According to Greek mythology, Penelopê was the wife of Odysseus in Homer's epic poem, "The Odyssey." Despite her husband's prolonged absence due to the Trojan War, Penelopê remained faithful and cleverly outsmarted her suitors who were vying for her hand in marriage. This legendary figure has given rise to the name Penelope being associated with intelligence, loyalty, and adaptability. Penelope is a name that has gained popularity over time but remains less common compared to other names, contributing to its unique charm. It has been used throughout history by various notable figures, such as: 1. Penelope, Lady Arabella, the daughter of John Duncombe, 1st Baron Feversham (1680s) 2. Penelope Stott, a British author and illustrator known for her children's books (born in 1953) The name Penelope has also been popularized by various forms of media and literature: - In Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield," the main character has a childhood friend named Emily, whose nickname is "Dolly" or sometimes "Penelope." - The movie "Penelope" (2006) starring Christina Ricci tells the story of a young woman born into a family cursed to have the nose of a pig until she finds true love. - In the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Penelope Clearwater is a member of Gryffindor house and one of the characters in the books. Overall, Penelope is a captivating name with roots deeply grounded in Greek mythology. Its meaning, "weaver," symbolizes creativity, adaptability, and intelligence—all qualities embodied by its legendary namesake, Penelopê. Despite not being as widely used as some other names, Penelope retains its charm and uniqueness, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich history.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Penelopie since 1880

Total births
26
Total since 1880
Peak year
2015
10 births
in 2022
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-27%
vs previous 5 years