Penrose is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old French word "pen" meaning "cauldron," and "ros" which means "famous." It was originally given to someone who lived or worked near a prominent cauldron or pot, such as at a blacksmith's forge.
The name Penrose first appeared in England during the Middle Ages. It is believed that the name was brought over by Norman invaders after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The earliest recorded instance of the surname is from the late 12th century, where it appears as "Penroues" in the Pipe Rolls of Essex.
Over time, the spelling of Penrose has varied due to factors such as dialectical differences and changes in orthography. Some variations of the name include Pennrose, Penrouze, Penrose, Pennroze, and others.
The Penrose family has a long history in England, with many notable members throughout the centuries. One of the most famous was Sir John Penrose (1530-1605), who served as Lord Mayor of London from 1598 to 1599. He was also a wealthy merchant and MP for the City of London.
Today, Penrose remains a relatively uncommon surname, but it can still be found throughout England and other parts of the world where English immigration has occurred. It is often passed down through generations within families, serving as a lasting connection to their shared heritage.
The name Penrose appears to have been relatively uncommon in the United States during the early 20th century. According to records from the Social Security Administration, there were only five babies named Penrose born in each of the years 1914 and 1918. This was followed by a slight increase in popularity with six births recorded in 1921, before dropping back down to five births in 1925.
Overall, from 1914 to 1925, there were a total of twenty-one babies named Penrose born in the United States. This suggests that the name was not particularly trendy during this time period, but still maintained a small presence nonetheless. It is always fascinating to explore the patterns and trends behind names throughout history.