"pearl, coral, precious gem"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Penina
Does Penina flow with your last name?
A Hebrew gem name of Biblical grace and quiet beauty
Hebrew
Jewish
Israeli
Spiritual
Elegant
Traditional
Unique
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"precious stone"
Origin: Biblical Hebrew penini
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Penina
Penina is a Hebrew name meaning pearl or coral, derived from the Biblical Hebrew word penini meaning precious stone or gem. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible in the Book of Samuel, where Peninnah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, the other being Hannah. In Jewish tradition, precious jewels have long been associated with wisdom, purity, and divine beauty — fitting attributes for the name's Biblical bearer. Today Penina remains a cherished name in Israeli and Jewish communities worldwide.
Penina has remained a steady presence in Israeli and Jewish communities without becoming widely popular outside those traditions. As Western parents seek meaningful names with deep roots, Penina has gained some crossover appeal, particularly among parents drawn to Biblical names that feel both ancient and distinctive.
In the Hebrew Bible, Peninnah appears in the story of Hannah (1 Samuel 1), one of the most emotionally resonant narratives in scripture. The name carries weight in Jewish tradition as both a gemstone name and a Biblical name. In modern Israel, Penina is used as a given name with a warm, classic feel.
Historical Record
Penina first appeared in US Social Security records in 1953.
Over 989 babies have been named Penina in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Penina is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,609 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Peninnah appears in the Book of Samuel as the rival wife of Hannah, whose story of answered prayer is one of the most beloved in the Hebrew Bible
- The Hebrew word penini meaning pearl also gives us the word for the Book of Proverbs chapter 31, which describes a woman of valor whose worth is above pearls
Penina in Other Languages
Arabic
بنينة
Hebrew
פְּנִינָה
Spanish
Penina
Yiddish
פּנינה
Popularity Over Time
#4,609
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Penina
P
Penina Moise
Writer
1797
American Jewish poet, educator, and hymn writer, the first known Jewish poet in America
P
Peninnah
Other
Biblical figure from the Book of Samuel, one of the wives of Elkanah and rival to Hannah
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Compare Penina with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4,609
- Total SSA Count
- 30
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew Jewish Israeli
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Peni
Nina
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Hebrew heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Penina
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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English origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Penina
What does the name Penina mean?
"pearl, coral, precious gem" (from Hebrew). "precious stone" (from Biblical Hebrew penini). Penina is a Hebrew name meaning pearl or coral, derived from the Biblical Hebrew word penini meaning precious stone or gem. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible in the Book of Samuel, where Peninnah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, the other being Hannah. In Jewish tradition, precious jewels have long been associated with wisdom, purity, and divine beauty — fitting attributes for the name's Biblical bearer. Today Penina remains a cherished name in Israeli and Jewish communities worldwide.
What is the origin of the name Penina?
Penina has Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew penini, Jewish, and Israeli origins. In Hebrew, it means "pearl, coral, precious gem". In Biblical Hebrew penini, it means "precious stone".
Is Penina a boy or girl name?
Penina is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Penina?
Penina is currently ranked #4609 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Penina?
Common nicknames for Penina include Peni and Nina.
What are good middle names for Penina?
Popular middle name pairings include Penina Ruth, Penina Sarah, Penina Miriam, Penina Grace, Penina Rose, Penina Hannah, and Penina Leah.
What are good sibling names for Penina?
Names that pair well with Penina as siblings include Tamar, Naomi, Dalia, Yael, Avi, Eli, Noah, and Ariel.
How many syllables does Penina have?
Penina has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Penina a common or rare name?
Penina is an uncommon name, ranked #4609 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Penina
Penina is a girl name with Hebrew, Jewish, and Israeli origins . The name means "pearl, coral, precious gem" in Hebrew .
Penina is currently ranked #4,609 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Penina has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Penina include Peni and Nina. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis