Penn

boyEnglish

Penn is an boy name of English origin, meaning “Enclosure; hill”.

MeaningEnclosure; hill
GenderBoy
OriginEnglish
PronunciationPEN
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Penn

Penn is an English surname from two possible sources: Old English penn, 'an enclosure for animals', or the Brittonic word pen, 'head' or 'hill', found in place names such as Pennines. The surname is closely associated with William Penn, the Quaker founder of Pennsylvania. As a first name it is a short, modern choice in the United States. The magician Penn Jillette and the actor Penn Badgley are well-known bearers.

Is Penn a religious name?

Penn has no religious meaning, though its most famous bearer, William Penn, was a Quaker.

How popular is Penn?

An uncommon but growing first name in the United States.

Gifts with the name Penn

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Names similar to Penn

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Penn mean?

Penn means 'Enclosure; hill'. It is of English origin.

Does Penn have a religious meaning?

Penn has no religious meaning, though its most famous bearer, William Penn, was a Quaker.

How do you pronounce Penn?

Penn is pronounced PEN.

Is Penn a boy or girl name?

Penn is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.