Penelope
Peaked at #21 nationally in 2022, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Penelope has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
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Penelope — Girls (United States)
RisingPeak rank
#21
in 2022
Current rank
#28
in 2024
Years tracked
131
1880–2024
Trend
Rising
Tracked since 1880, Penelope reached its peak popularity for girls in 2022, ranking #21 nationally with 6,424 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has climbed from #43 (2014) to #28 (2024) — a 35% improvement.
As of 2024, Penelope ranks #28 nationally for girls, with 5,741 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #28 | 5,741 |
| 2023 | #23 | 6,065 |
| 2022 | #21 | 6,424 |
| 2021 | #23 | 6,364 |
| 2020 | #25 | 6,149 |
| 2019 | #22 | 6,733 |
| 2018 | #26 | 6,523 |
| 2017 | #24 | 6,667 |
Penelope — Boys (United States)
StablePeak rank
#8005
in 2021
Current rank
#11935
in 2024
Years tracked
8
2015–2024
Trend
Stable
Tracked since 2015, Penelope reached its peak popularity for boys in 2021, ranking #8005 nationally with 10 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 9 years of data, its rank has climbed from #13529 (2015) to #11935 (2024) — a 12% improvement.
As of 2024, Penelope ranks #11935 nationally for boys, with 6 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #11,935 | 6 |
| 2022 | #13,822 | 5 |
| 2021 | #8,005 | 10 |
| 2020 | #13,550 | 5 |
| 2018 | #10,459 | 7 |
| 2017 | #11,842 | 6 |
| 2016 | #8,638 | 9 |
| 2015 | #13,529 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Penelope most popular?
Penelope was most popular in 2022, when it ranked #21 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Penelope becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently rising; for boys, it's currently stable, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Penelope?
At least 103,268 babies have been recorded with the name Penelope in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Penelope? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.