A surname, most famously associated with William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, or referring to the University of Pennsylvania.
From Old English 'penn' meaning 'enclosure' or 'hill,' or Welsh 'pen' meaning 'head, top.' The surname could indicate someone who lived by an enclosure or on a hilltop.
William Penn's 'Holy Experiment' in Pennsylvania was revolutionary for its religious tolerance and fair treatment of Native Americans. His name literally means 'head of the forest' when combined with 'sylvania,' making Pennsylvania the 'forest land of Penn.'
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.