Rising since 1990, #5,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Penina since 1953
Babies named Penina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 19 |
| 1970s | 73 |
| 1980s | 140 |
| 1990s | 193 |
| 2000s | 169 |
| 2010s | 246 |
| 2020s | 163 |
Meaning & origin
Penina is a Hebrew name meaning 'pearl,' borne in the Bible by one of Elkanah's wives. In modern U.S. usage, it is a rare but steadily growing choice, having first appeared on the Social Security list in 1953. The name reached its peak popularity in 2022 and has been rising in use since the 1990s. In 2025, it ranked 5,917th, with approximately 1 in 80,363 girls receiving the name. New York is the top state for Penina, reflecting its prevalence in communities with Jewish heritage. Its sound and connection to the biblical figure give it a distinctive, tradition-rooted appeal.
Penina is a Hebrew name (פְּנִינָה) meaning 'pearl' or 'precious stone.' In the Hebrew Bible, Peninnah is one of Elkanah's two wives, the mother of his children, while the other wife, Hannah, struggles with infertility (1 Samuel 1). The name has been used by Jewish communities for centuries and is sometimes anglicized as Penina or Peninnah.
Where Penina is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Penny, Nina
Variants: Peninnah, Peninah, Penena
Sibling names for Penina
Names that share Penina's style, for a brother or sister.
