Explore Our Collection of Books and Stories About Penelope

The name Penelope has Greek origins and means "weaver" or "web-worker." It comes from the Greek word "pēnelops," which combines the words "pēnē" (thread, weft) and "lops" (to work). In Greek mythology, Penelope was the wife of Odysseus, who was known for her faithful and loyal character. She would spend her days weaving a shroud for her father-in-law, but she would unravel it every night, to keep the suitors at bay while she waited for her husband's return. The name Penelope had gained popularity in the United States, ranking 26th in popularity in 2020, according to the Social Security Administration. It is also a popular name in several other countries, including England, Canada, and Australia. The name is often shortened to "Penny" or "Nell," and it has been used in various forms of entertainment, including movies and books, such as the children's book "Penelope the Princess."

According to data from BabyCenter, the name Penelope is most popular in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is also popular in some other English-speaking countries such as New Zealand and Ireland. However, it is not a very popular name in other regions or non-English speaking countries.

If you love the name Penelope but want to explore other options that sound similar, you're in luck. Here are some names that might appeal to your taste:

• Persephone
• Calliope
• Daphne
• Eloise
• Genevieve
• Isadora
• Lavinia
• Rosalind
• Seraphina
• Theodora