A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Penny since 1882
Babies named Penny per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 11 |
| 1890s | 29 |
| 1900s | 50 |
| 1910s | 146 |
| 1920s | 467 |
| 1930s | 1,128 |
| 1940s | 13,113 |
| 1950s | 25,123 |
| 1960s | 38,220 |
| 1970s | 12,578 |
| 1980s | 2,951 |
| 1990s | 783 |
| 2000s | 623 |
| 2010s | 3,024 |
| 2020s | 2,373 |
Meaning & origin
Penny is a name that has seen a remarkable revival in recent years. First recorded in 1882, it reached its peak in 1963, ranking as a top choice. After declining in popularity, Penny has been rising again since 2002, reflecting a broader trend of mid-century revivals. The name is most popular in states like Utah, Idaho, and Oregon. Its connection to the classical Penelope gives it a literary and mythological anchor, while its short, friendly sound feels modern. In 2025, it ranked 740th, with about 1 in 4,368 girls receiving the name, showing steady growth that suggests it may continue to climb.
Penny originated as a pet form of Penelope, a name from Greek mythology. The name Penelope is derived from the Greek word 'pēnelops', meaning 'weaver' or 'with a web over her face', referring to the faithful wife of Odysseus who wove a shroud to delay her suitors. Penny emerged as an independent given name in the English-speaking world in the 19th century, partly influenced by the coin, which itself is named from the Old English 'penning'.
Where Penny is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Penny” around the world
Where Penny lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
30
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pen
Sibling names for Penny
Names that share Penny's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Penny
Names whose popularity has moved with Penny's over the last 50 years.
