Penny is a charming and distinctive female given name, derived from the English word for the small copper coin of the same name. It gained popularity as a given name in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States and Britain. The name Penny has been associated with several notable figures, including American actresses Penny Marshall and Penny Johnson Jerald, further contributing to its recognition and appeal.
The name Penny appears to have had periods of popularity and decline over the years with a notable spike in the late 1950s to early 1960s, reaching its peak in 1962 with 26 births.