ThinkabaraPenelope: meaning and origin
Penelope
“Weaver; the faithful wife of Odysseus”
About the name Penelope
Penelope is a girl’s name from the Greek tradition. Its meaning is “weaver; the faithful wife of Odysseus”. Names from ancient Greek, often tied to virtues, myths and early Christian saints — like Sophia, Theodore, Chloe and Nicholas.
It’s a classic: a name that has been used for generations and still feels fresh.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More Greek names
- Alex 🧒Defender; a short form of Alexander and Alexandra · Greek
- Alexandra 👧Defender of the people · Greek
- Athena 👧The Greek goddess of wisdom · Greek
- Calliope 👧Beautiful voice; the muse of poetry · Greek
- Chloe 👧Green shoot, young plant · Greek
- Cora 👧Maiden · Greek
- Daphne 👧Laurel tree · Greek
- Elena 👧Bright, shining light; a form of Helen · Greek
- Georgia 👧Farmer; also the US state · Greek
- Helen 👧Bright, shining light · Greek
- Irene 👧Peace · Greek
- Iris 👧Rainbow; also the flower · Greek
Sibling name ideas (Greek, boys)
- Alexander 👦Defender of the people · Greek
- Andrew 👦Manly, strong · Greek
- Atlas 👦The Titan who held up the sky · Greek
- Christopher 👦Bearer of Christ · Greek
- Cyrus 👦Sun; far-sighted (via Persian) · Greek
- Damian 👦To tame, subdue · Greek
- Elias 👦My God is the Lord; the Greek form of Elijah · Greek
- George 👦Farmer · Greek
More girl names starting with P
- Paisley 👧From the Scottish town of Paisley; also the swirly pattern · Scottish
- Paloma 👧Dove · Spanish
- Peyton 👧Fighting man’s estate; from an English surname · English
- Phoebe 👧Bright, shining · Greek
- Piper 👧Pipe player · English
- Poppy 👧The red poppy flower · English
- Primrose 👧First rose; the early spring flower · English
- Priya 👧Beloved, dear · Sanskrit / Indian
Questions and answers
What does the name Penelope mean?
Penelope is a name of Greek origin. It means: weaver; the faithful wife of Odysseus.
Is Penelope a boy or girl name?
Penelope is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Penelope have?
Penelope has 8 letters and about 3 syllables.
Is Penelope a popular name?
Yes. Penelope has been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. Names marked “popular now” have been near the top of US baby-name lists in recent years. This is an approximate guide, not an official ranking; see the Social Security Administration’s baby names site for official counts.