A proper name, traditionally a female given name of ancient Greek origin, famously associated with Odysseus's loyal wife in Homer's epic.
From Greek 'Pene' (possibly meaning weaver, from 'pene' thread) or may derive from 'pen' (to endure). The name gained literary immortality from Homer's Odyssey (8th century BCE) where Penelope waits faithfully for her husband's return.
Penelope became the ultimate symbol of loyalty and patience because she waited twenty years for Odysseus to come home from his adventures, even though many men wanted to marry her—it's why the name itself has become synonymous with devotion throughout Western literature.
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