Penelope is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word "penelopê," which is composed of two elements: "pené," meaning "weaver," and "lops," meaning "the web or fabric." Therefore, Penelope's name translates to "weaver of the web" or "fabricator."
In Homer's epic poem the Odyssey, Penelope is the faithful wife of Odysseus, the legendary Greek hero. She remains loyal to her husband for many years while he is away fighting in the Trojan War and later during his mysterious absence from their home island of Ithaca. Penelope is renowned for her intelligence, resourcefulness, and unwavering devotion.
Throughout history, several notable women have carried the name Penelope. One famous bearer was Saint Penelope (died c. 304 AD), a Christian martyr who was executed during the Roman Emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians. In more recent times, British-American actress Penelope Cruz has become well-known for her work in films such as "Volver," "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."
The name Penelope has gained popularity as a given name due to its strong associations with intelligence, loyalty, and resilience. It is also considered attractive because of its unique sound and distinctive spelling compared to other popular names beginning with the letter P, such as Patricia or Pamela.
In conclusion, Penelope is a charming feminine given name with roots in Greek mythology and history. Its meaning, "weaver of the web," pays homage to both ancient craftsmanship and literary significance, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful for their daughter.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Penelope:
According to data from the United States, there were 7 babies named Penelope in 2013. In the following years, the number of newborns with this name fluctuated: there were 6 births in 2015, 10 in 2016, and then a significant increase to 16 births in 2017.
After reaching its peak in 2017, the popularity of the name Penelope decreased slightly. In 2018, there were 11 newborns named Penelope, followed by 10 in 2019 and 7 in 2020. However, the trend shifted again in recent years, with 5 births in 2021 and a notable increase to 8 in 2022.
The most recent data from 2023 shows another rise in popularity for the name Penelope, with 12 newborns bearing this name.
In total, between 2013 and 2023, there have been 92 babies named Penelope born in the United States.