Find out how popular the first name Venelope has been for the last 11 years (from 2013 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A feminine name derived from the Greek words meaning "Venus" and "friend".
Based on the last 11 years of data, Venelope is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Venelope.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2023 | 0 | 5 |
2022 | 0 | 8 |
2021 | 0 | 5 |
2020 | 0 | 11 |
2019 | 0 | 7 |
2017 | 0 | 8 |
2016 | 0 | 5 |
2015 | 0 | 10 |
2014 | 0 | 8 |
2013 | 0 | 9 |
The name Venelope traces its origins to Ancient Greece, deriving from the Greek words "pene" meaning "thread" and "lope" meaning "woven". It was a name associated with weaving, a prominent skill and art form in ancient Greek culture. The earliest recorded instance of the name dates back to the 5th century BC, where it was mentioned in classical Greek literature and historical records.
One of the most notable historical references to the name Venelope can be found in Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey. Penelope, the faithful wife of Odysseus, is portrayed as a skilled weaver who waited patiently for her husband's return from the Trojan War. Her cunning strategy of weaving and unraveling a shroud to delay her suitors became a symbolic representation of marital fidelity and perseverance.
In the 4th century BC, Penelope of Sparta was a renowned Spartan princess and wife of Pausanias, the Spartan regent during the Peloponnesian War. Her influence and political acumen played a significant role in shaping the events of the war, further cementing the name's historical significance.
During the Renaissance period, the name gained renewed popularity, particularly in Italy. Penelope Devereux, Countess of Devonshire (1563-1607), was an English noblewoman known for her beauty, intellect, and literary patronage. Her life and romantic entanglements with prominent figures like Sir Philip Sidney and Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, were widely celebrated in poetry and literature.
In the 17th century, Penelope Naunton (1615-1672) was an English writer and translator who gained recognition for her translations of French and Spanish works. Her contributions to the literary world helped to further establish the name's association with intellectual pursuits.
Another notable figure was Penelope Barker (1728-1796), an English poet and writer who advocated for women's education and social reform. Her work, "An Apology for the Professed Disobedience and Non-Conformity of the Dissenters to the Ecclesiastical Establishment," addressed religious tolerance and freedom of conscience.
Throughout history, the name Venelope has maintained its connection to weaving, literature, and intellectual pursuits, reflecting the enduring legacy of its ancient Greek origins.
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 Venelope was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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