Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Penelope

      Origin

      Greek

      Meaning

      With a web over her face

      Variations

      Denelle, Jenelle, Teniope
      The name Penelope finds its origins in the Greek language and holds the meaning With a web over her face. In ancient Greek mythology, Penelope was the faithful wife of the hero Odysseus, who remained loyal and patiently awaited his return from the Trojan War for twenty years. While her husband was away, Penelope was faced with numerous suitors who sought to claim her hand and the throne of Ithaca. To keep them at bay, she announced that she would only choose a suitor once she had finished weaving a burial shroud for Odysseus's father. However, she craftily unraveled her work each night, successfully postponing the decision until Odysseus finally arrived home.

      Throughout history, the name Penelope has resonated due to its association with this iconic figure from Greek mythology. The story of Penelope's unwavering faithfulness and clever tactics has served as a symbol of marital devotion and intelligence. It has captured the imagination of countless writers, poets, and artists who have referenced Penelope in their works. In modern-day usage, Penelope remains a beloved and timeless name. Many parents bestow this name upon their daughters as a tribute to its classical origins and the qualities it represents. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Penelope's lasting cultural significance.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Penelope.
      John

      John

      This is the most common name of those married to a Penelope.
      John

      John

      This is the most common name for a child of a Penelope.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1947 is when there were the most people born with the first name Penelope.

      Explore the origins of another name.