Moderately PopularGreekfemale

Penny

Diminutive of Penelope; from Greek meaning "weaver" or "duck"

Popularity

52

/100

At a glance

Penny is a girl name with Greek roots, most associated with the idea of diminutive of penelope; from greek meaning "weaver" or "duck".

Meaning

Diminutive of Penelope; from Greek meaning "weaver" or "duck"

Origin

Greek

Gender

Girl / Female

Pronunciation

PEN-ee

Name story

What Penny communicates

Penny is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Diminutive of Penelope; from Greek meaning "weaver" or "duck"". That gives it a clear, rooted emotional tone that is easy to connect with and quick to remember.

It is pronounced PEN-ee and sits at a popularity score of 52/100 in our index, which suggests how widely it is chosen today. Names in this range tend to appeal to parents who want something recognizable yet still distinctive.

If Penny feels close but not quite right, the related names and theme links below lead to options that share its Greek heritage or its core idea of "Diminutive of Penelope; from Greek meaning "weaver" or "duck"". Comparing a few side by side is the easiest way to settle on the name that fits your family best.

Theme links

Explore the same idea

Famous People Named Penny

  • PPenny Marshall (American filmmaker and actress)
  • PPenny Lancaster (British model and photographer)

Instagram & Pinterest ready

Share the Penny name card

A free, Instagram-ready card with the meaning of Penny. Download it or share it with family and friends.

Penny name meaning "Diminutive of Penelope; from Greek meaning "weaver" or "duck"" - Greek female name share card | NameMeanings

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Penny mean?

The name Penny means "Diminutive of Penelope; from Greek meaning "weaver" or "duck"". It is a name of Greek origin that has been carried across many cultures and generations. The meaning reflects qualities valued in Greek naming tradition, which is part of why parents who want a name with a clear, positive sense often choose Penny.

What is the origin of the name Penny?

Penny originates from Greek. Names of Greek origin tend to carry deep historical and cultural significance, shaped by language, religion, and tradition over centuries. Penny fits that pattern: its roots give it the meaning "Diminutive of Penelope; from Greek meaning "weaver" or "duck"" and connect it to a long lineage of related names that share the same heritage.

Is Penny a popular name?

Penny appears on baby-name popularity charts across many English-speaking countries. Its usage has shifted across generations, rising and falling with cultural moments, famous bearers, and naming trends. You can see where Penny sits relative to other names on its popularity score above, and compare it with similar names in the same style.

What names are similar to Penny?

Names similar to Penny include those with shared origins, related meanings, or a similar sound and rhythm. The related names and similar-meaning sections above list strong alternatives, so if you love Penny but want options, you can explore names that carry the same Greek heritage or the same idea of "Diminutive of Penelope; from Greek meaning "weaver" or "duck"".

How do you pronounce Penny?

Penny is pronounced "PEN-ee". Pronunciation can vary slightly by region and language, but this guide reflects the most common way the name Penny is said.

Is Penny a boy or a girl name?

Penny is most commonly used as a girl name. Like many names it can cross gender lines depending on culture, era, and family preference, but its Greek roots and traditional usage are reflected on this page. If you want a clearly gender-neutral option, browse our unisex names for alternatives.

What does the name Penny symbolize?

The name Penny symbolizes "Diminutive of Penelope; from Greek meaning "weaver" or "duck"". That theme gives Penny a distinct emotional tone that many parents connect with, and it links the name to a wider family of names built on the same idea. Exploring names that share the meaning "Diminutive of Penelope; from Greek meaning "weaver" or "duck"" is a good way to find alternatives with a similar feeling.

Is Penny a good baby name?

Penny is a meaningful choice: it carries the meaning "Diminutive of Penelope; from Greek meaning "weaver" or "duck"", has clear Greek heritage, and a recognizable pronunciation. Whether it is the right baby name depends on your taste, family traditions, and how it pairs with your surname.