Penny: Name Meaning, Origin & Family History - Find Out Now!

Ever wondered about the story behind a name, a seemingly simple moniker echoing through centuries? The name "Penny," whether as a given name or a surname, carries a fascinating lineage, weaving together threads of ancient commerce, classical mythology, and the diverse tapestry of human migration.

Delving into the etymology of "Penny," we find its roots firmly planted in the Old English "penig," a term used to denote a coin. This "penig" shares kinship with the German "pfennig," highlighting a shared linguistic heritage. Intriguingly, the "penny" held a unique position in early England. Until the 14th century, it stood as the sole unit of coinage, signifying its considerable value and importance in the economic landscape. The journey of the name "Penny" extends far beyond mere currency, however, and into the realm of personal identity and familial history.

Category Information
Name Origin Multiple theories exist:
  • From Old English "penig," meaning coin.
  • Diminutive of Penelope (Greek origin).
Possible Nickname Wealthy, Important or Weaver.
Surname Origin English, derived from a medieval given name or nickname.
Given Name Origin English, diminutive of Penelope (Greek origin).
Penelope Meaning Weaver or Duck.
Associated Traits Intelligence, Creativity, Resourcefulness, Luck.
Lucky Number 5
Lucky Colors Sunlit Yellow, Radiant Gold
Special Day Friday
Global Rank (Surname) 16,056th most common
Frequency (Surname) Approximately 1 in 209,919 people
Geographic Distribution (Surname) Mostly in the Americas (43%)
Related Surnames Pen, Penn, Penner, Punn, Pearn (Irish), Pin (French), Pennig (German), Pennici (Italian), Pena (Spanish)
First Known Use (Surname) Early 13th century
Early Recordings Gileburtus Penning (Lincolnshire, 1204), William Peny (Shropshire, 1221), Johannes Peny (Elgin, 1343), John Peny (Scottish clerk, 1362)
Historical Mentions Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire (1204), Shropshire Assize Court Rolls (1221), Records of Elgin (1343), Safe Conduct in England (1362)
Most Common Locations (Family) United Kingdom (1891), USA (1840-1920), Canada (1840-1920), Scotland (1840-1920)
UK Statistics Approximately 9,882 people named Penny, 1,070th most common surname, Approximately 156 out of every million people.
Canada Statistics (Penney) 717th most popular surname, Approximately 7,465 people with that name
Newfoundland, Canada Statistics (Penney) 11th most popular surname, Approximately 977 people with that name
Australia Statistics 924th most popular surname, Approximately 4,260 people with that name.
New Zealand Statistics 805th most popular surname, Approximately 908 people with that name.
Popularity Trend (Surname) Slight decrease in rank between 2000 and 2010, but increase in total number of people with the surname.
Population with surname in 2000 9,615
Population with surname in 2010 10,249
Reference Website ancestry.com
Penny Surname/Last Name Meaning, Origin & Family History

Penny Surname/Last Name Meaning, Origin & Family History

Penny Surname/Last Name Meaning, Origin & Family History

Penny Surname/Last Name Meaning, Origin & Family History

Penny Surname/Last Name Meaning, Origin & Family History

Penny Surname/Last Name Meaning, Origin & Family History

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  • Name : Dr. Emmet Williamson II
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