Find out how popular the first name Penni has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Penni by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Penni is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Penni.

The history of the first name Penni

The name Penni is a diminutive form of the name Penelope, which has its origins in ancient Greek mythology. Penelope was the faithful wife of Odysseus, the hero of Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey. The name is derived from the Greek word "pene," meaning "thread" or "web," and "ops," meaning "eye" or "face," possibly referring to Penelope's skill at weaving and her watchful waiting for her husband's return from the Trojan War.

The earliest recorded use of the name Penni can be traced back to medieval Europe, where it was a popular variant of Penelope among various cultures. It was particularly common in regions influenced by the Romance languages, such as Italy, France, and Spain, where the name took on various spellings like Penna, Penne, and Penne.

One of the earliest known individuals named Penni was Penne de l'Enclos, a French courtier and poet who lived in the 16th century. She was known for her wit and intellect, and her writings were widely circulated among the French aristocracy of the time.

Another notable figure with the name Penni was Penni Boutsikaris, a Greek-American actress born in 1952. She has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including The Sting, ER, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

In the world of literature, Penni Jo Liston is an American author and professor who has written extensively on feminist theory and women's studies. Her notable works include "The Bright Light City" and "Skin Horses."

The name Penni also has connections to the world of art. Penni Cross is a contemporary Australian artist known for her vibrant abstract paintings and mixed media works. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is held in various private and public collections.

In the field of music, Penni Trumbull is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has gained recognition for her unique blend of folk and indie rock styles. Her albums, such as "Memories Defeat Meaning" and "Shaky Ground," have garnered critical acclaim.

While the name Penni has its roots in ancient Greek mythology and medieval European cultures, it has endured over time and taken on various forms and meanings across different regions and contexts.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Penni was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Penni, please contact us.

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