Penelope - name meaning, origin

The girl's name Penelope \p(e)-nelo-

is pronounced pen-NELL-a-pee. It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "weaver". From "pene". Mythology: Penelope, wife of Odysseus, fended off suitors by weaving during the day and unraveling at night a tapestry she said had to be completed before she would wed another husband. The name has come to signify a loyal, capable, and clever woman. The name is also possibly derived from the Greek name "penelops" for a kind of duck that was said to have rescued and nurtured Penelope when she was exposed to die as an infant. Model Penelope Tree; parenting expert Penelope Leach; actresses Penelope Ann Miller, Penelope Cruz.

Penelope has 8 variant forms: Pen, Penelopa, Penina, Penna, Pennelope, Penney, Pennie and Penny.

Penelope is a very common first name for women (#771 out of 4276) but an uncommon last name for both men and women. (1990 U.S. Census)

Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the girl name Penelope. Compare Penelope with its variant forms and related girl names.

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