Penelope
Meaning: Weaver; bobbin worker
Origin: Greek — from pene (thread, bobbin) + ops (face, eye); possibly also connected to the Greek for duck
Gender: Girl
Rank in Australia: #161
Total births: 3,020
History: Penelope surged in the 2010s as elaborate vintage names came back in Australia. The name's Homeric associations add classical depth. Penelope represents Australian parents choosing names that would be equally at home in a Greek epic and a Sydney playground.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #41 |
| Babies named Penelope in 2025 | 153 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 3,020 |
| Peak year | 2021 (165 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #40 |
| Years in records | 1952–2025 (28 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↑ 6 spots |
Frequently asked about Penelope
What does the name Penelope mean?
Penelope means “Weaver; bobbin worker” from Greek — from pene (thread, bobbin) + ops (face, eye); possibly also connected to the Greek for duck roots.
What is the origin of the name Penelope?
Penelope has Greek — from pene (thread, bobbin) + ops (face, eye); possibly also connected to the Greek for duck origin. The traditional meaning is “Weaver; bobbin worker”.
How popular is Penelope in Australia?
Penelope ranked #41 in Australia in 2025 — given to 153 babies that year.
When was Penelope most popular?
Penelope peaked in 2021 with 165 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Penelope a boy or girl name?
Penelope is predominantly a girls' name in Australia — over 90% of Penelopes in registered births are female.
How long has Penelope been recorded in Australia?
Penelope appears in birth records in Australia across 28 years — from 1952 through 2025.