Penelope is a popular choice in the UK, ranked #36 in 2024. There's a good chance they'll share their name with at least one classmate throughout school.
Origin & Meaning
Greek — Weaver; faithful wife of Odysseus
⭐
UK Rank 2024
#36
US Rank #28
About the Name Penelope
Penelope is holding steady in the rankings at #36. It reached its peak of #32 in 2022 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996. It has featured in the UK top 100 for 10 years, demonstrating solid mainstream recognition.
Etymologically, Penelope comes from Greek, where it means "Weaver; faithful wife of Odysseus". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Penelope is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
It ranks similarly in the US at #28, suggesting broad transatlantic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Penelope
Unlikely. With around 1,133 UK babies named Penelope per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Penelope in her class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Penelope has held a stable position around #36 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #32 in 2022 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Penelope has Greek origins and means "Weaver; faithful wife of Odysseus". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Penelope include: Penelope Wilton — Dame Penelope Alice Wilton is an English actress.; Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma — Penelope Meredith Mary Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma is a British aristocrat and the wife of Norton Knatchbull, 3rd Earl Mountbatten of Burma.; Penelope Tree — Penelope Tree is an English fashion model who rose to prominence during the Swinging Sixties in London..
Penelope ranks #28 in the US (2024), making it comfortably inside the American top 100. It's well-liked on both sides of the Atlantic.
1,133
UK babies named Penelope (2024)
~0.0
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.6
In a school of 600
↑ 8 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Penelope
Likely around 1 other Penelope in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Penelope
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Dame Penelope Alice Wilton is an English actress. Wilton is known for starring opposite Richard Briers in the BBC sitcom Ever Decreasing Circles, playing Homily in The Borrowers and The Return of the Borrowers, and her role as the widowed Isobel Crawley in the ITV drama Downton Abbey.
Penelope Meredith Mary Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma is a British aristocrat and the wife of Norton Knatchbull, 3rd Earl Mountbatten of Burma. Since 2010, she has served as High Steward of Romsey.
Penelope Rich, Lady Rich, later styled Penelope Blount was an English court office holder. She served as lady-in-waiting to the English queen Anne of Denmark.