Penny

Penny is a common surname of British origin that dates back to the medieval period. The surname is derived from the Middle English word "peni" or "penig," which was used to refer to a small English coin of low value.

Origins

The name Penny likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who worked with pennies or was paid in pennies. It is also possible that the surname was given to someone who was considered thrifty or frugal.

Distribution

The surname Penny is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Wales. It is also present in former British colonies, such as Canada, Australia, and the United States, due to historical immigration patterns.

Notable Individuals

  • Joe Penny (b. 1956) – British-Italian actor known for his roles in television series such as "Riptide" and "Jake and the Fatman".
  • Chloe Penny (b. 1990) – British artist and illustrator acclaimed for her whimsical watercolour paintings.

Variants

Variants of the surname Penny include Penney, Pennie, and Penni. These variations may have arisen due to differences in regional accents and dialects over time.

In conclusion, the surname Penny has a rich history with origins in medieval England and continues to be a prominent surname in the United Kingdom and beyond.

There are approximately 9,253 people named Penny in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,020th most common surname in Britain. Around 142 in a million people in Britain are named Penny.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Elizabeth
  • Jane
  • Karen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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