Penelopy

Meaning of Penelopy

Penelopy, a contemporary variant of the ancient Greek name Penelope, derives from the compound penelops—etymologically linked both to “duck” in early dialects and, through an alternate analysis, to pene (“weft”) and ops (“face”), thereby subtly invoking themes of craftsmanship and transformation. Its mythological resonance is anchored in the figure of Penelope, the steadfast wife of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey, whose narrative of resourceful patience and unwavering fidelity has long informed Anglo-American ideals of feminine constancy. In the United States, Penelopy remains exceptionally rare yet persistently present: annual occurrences between six and eleven births from 2012 through 2018, followed by eight or fewer in subsequent years, culminated in five bearers in 2023, ranking the name 953rd among female forenames. Such stability amid modest fluctuations underscores its enduring, if niche, appeal to parents seeking a name that balances classical erudition with contemporary singularity. Pronounced puh-NEL-uh-pee (/pəˈnɛləpi/), Penelopy thus conveys both historical gravitas and modern distinctiveness in equal measure.

Pronunciation

English

  • Pronunced as puh-NEL-uh-pee (/pəˈnɛləpi/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

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Miranda Richardson
Curated byMiranda Richardson

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