Penny

Penny is a diminutive of Penelope, the name of Odysseus's famously faithful wife in Homer's Odyssey. Penelope comes from Greek, with possible roots meaning "weaver" or linked to the word for a type of duck. As a standalone name, Penny sheds all that weight and becomes something simpler and brighter — a copper coin, small but warm, with a shine all its own.

Penny ranks #19 among US pet names, with over 2,700 companions carrying it. There is a particular sweetness to this name — it's modest without being forgettable, familiar without being overused. The copper-coin imagery suits companions who may not be the flashiest in the room but are worth more than anything. Penny has made a strong resurgence as a pet name in recent years, pairing well with both old-fashioned charm and a modern appreciation for vintage names done right.