Penelope is a charming and distinctive feminine given name of Greek origin. The name has its roots in Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey," where it is the name of the hero Odysseus' faithful wife who waits for him for many years while he travels on his journey home after the Trojan War.
In Greek, Penelope means "weaver" or "one who weaves." This is fitting given that in the myth, Penelope uses her weaving skills to outsmart her suitors and maintain her loyalty to Odysseus. She promises to choose one of them as her new husband once she has finished weaving a shroud for Odysseus' father, Laertes. However, she secretly unravels her work at night, ensuring that the shroud is never completed.
Penelope was also known for her intelligence and resourcefulness in the myth, qualities which have contributed to the name's enduring popularity over centuries.
The name Penelope first gained significant attention during the Renaissance period when Italian poets began translating Homer's works into their language. Since then, it has been used throughout Europe and beyond. Today, Penelope remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet classic name for their daughters.
In some cases, variations of the name such as Penelopé (French), Penelopi (Greek), or Penellope (Spanish) may be preferred based on regional preferences or spellings. Regardless of how it is written, however, the name Penelope carries with it a rich history and a beautiful meaning that continues to captivate parents and admirers alike.
Based on the provided statistics for the name Penelope, it appears that its popularity has seen significant fluctuations over time. The earliest years (1880-1902) showed a consistent but low number of births, with fewer than ten Penelopes born each year.
From 1906 onwards, there was a gradual increase in the number of Penelope births until it peaked around World War II, reaching highs of over 600 births per year between 1942 and 1953. This period marks the name's most popular era.
After the mid-1950s, there was a steady decline in Penelope's popularity, falling below 100 births per year by the late 1970s. It reached its lowest point in recent years with only 6041 births recorded in 2023.
Despite this overall decline, it is worth noting that Penelope experienced a resurgence in popularity during the early 2000s, reaching heights similar to those seen in the 1950s and 1960s. However, its popularity has since decreased once again, with fewer than 7000 births recorded annually since 2016.