Πηνελόπη

Penelope

girlGreek

Penelope is a girl name of Greek origin, meaning “Weaver; possibly 'duck'”.

MeaningWeaver; possibly 'duck'
GenderGirl
OriginGreek
Written asΠηνελόπη
Pronunciationpeh-NEL-uh-pee
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, Australia, Greece

Meaning and origin of Penelope

Penelope is the faithful wife of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, who waited twenty years for her husband and kept suitors at bay by weaving a shroud by day and unravelling it by night. The origin of her name is debated: it is often linked to Greek pene, 'thread' or 'weft', and also to penelops, a kind of duck. Long used in Britain, it has become very popular in the United States in recent years. The actress Penélope Cruz is a well-known bearer.

Is Penelope a religious name?

Penelope has no religious background; it comes from Greek myth and literature.

How popular is Penelope?

Very popular in the United States and other English-speaking countries.

Gifts with the name Penelope

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Spellings and variants of Penelope

PennyPinelopi

Names similar to Penelope

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Penelope mean?

Penelope means 'Weaver; possibly 'duck''. It is of Greek origin.

Does Penelope have a religious meaning?

Penelope has no religious background; it comes from Greek myth and literature.

How do you pronounce Penelope?

Penelope is pronounced peh-NEL-uh-pee.

Is Penelope a boy or girl name?

Penelope is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.