Penny
Penny is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Weaver”, pronounced PEN-ee. It ranked #740 in the United States in 2025, given to 368 babies, and peaked at #86 in 1963. Common nicknames: Pen, Nene.
How popular is Penny in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Penny mean, and where does it come from?
Penny is the familiar form of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus who wove a shroud by day and unpicked it by night for twenty years — the Greek is usually connected to pene, "thread," or to a kind of duck. It is also the English coin. It entered the American top thousand in 1923 and peaked at 86th in 1963. Penny Marshall directed the first film by a woman to take a hundred million dollars; Penelope, the full form, has since overtaken the nickname by a wide margin.
How is Penny used around the world?
Penny is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Penny?
Famous People Named Penny
- Penny Marshall — American actress and film director
- Penny Mordaunt — British politician and former Leader of the House of Commons
- Penny Johnson Jerald — American actress
Similar Names to Penny
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Sibling Name Ideas for Penny
Looking for names that pair well with Penny? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Penny mean?
Penny is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Weaver." Penny is the familiar form of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus who wove a shroud by day and unpicked it by night for twenty years — the Greek is usually connected to pene, "thread," or to a kind of duck. It is also the English coin.
How do you pronounce Penny?
Penny is pronounced PEN-ee. Common variations include Pennie, Penelope, Penina.
Is Penny a girl name?
Yes, Penny is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Pen, Nene.