Penn Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Penn' has its roots in Old English, meaning 'enclosure' or 'hill', and has evolved through various forms over the centuries. It is characterized by its strong sound and positive associations, particularly in relation to notable figures like William Penn. There is no biblical relevance connected to the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Penn"
Pronunciation
/pɛn/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name 'Penn' derives from the Old English word 'penn', meaning 'enclosure' or 'hill'. It is also associated with the Welsh word 'pen', meaning 'head' or 'top'.
Meaning
enclosure, hill, head, top
Language Evolution
Old English: Penn, Middle English: Penne, Modern English: Penn
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages and has been used as both a given name and a surname. It is particularly associated with the surname of the 17th-century founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn.
Variants & Derivatives
Pen, Penny, Pennie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, 'Penn' is perceived as a strong, straightforward name, often associated with intelligence and creativity. It is also recognized due to its association with notable figures, particularly in academia and media.
Famous People
William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, Penn Jillette, magician and actor, Penn Badgley, actor
📊 Penn Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Penn Name Visualizations
✨ Penn Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 80 peak births in 2020
Geographic Spread
Popular across 8 US states, with strongest presence in Pennsylvania
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Penn" - Complete Guide (3 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Penn". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 3 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Penn" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Penn"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Penn"
"Penn" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4917th of 7545 | 34 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5479th of 6773 | 16 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4003rd of 7552 | 70 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7360th of 10718 | 23 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9270th of 16616 | 40 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5221st of 24088 | 246 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2271st of 23106 | 731 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 20969th of 30306 | 22 |
Regional Popularity of "Penn" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
71.85% 3292nd/4582 |
76.12% 3931st/5164 |
- |
67.40% 5030th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
40.14% 1801st/4487 |
45.90% 3131st/6822 |
40.52% 2543rd/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Penn" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Penn"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Penn" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Penn" in the United States
The name Penn is most popular in Pennsylvania, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Penn has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Penn' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4917th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5479th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4003rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7360th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9270th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5221st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2271st out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 20969th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Penn' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.