Last Name Penn

The surname "Penn" is of English origin and comes from various places named Pen(n) in England. These place names derive from Old English 'penne', meaning headland, promontory, or cape. This was a topographical name for someone who lived by such a headland or promontory. The surname can also be found as Penn, Penny, Penne, and Pennell. Notable individuals with the last name Penn include actors Sean Penn and Christopher Reeve, as well as business magnate and philanthropist Peter Lewis Pennypacker.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Penn

The surname Penn is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from a place name, referring to either the town of Penn in Buckinghamshire, England, or the Pennines mountain range in northern England. The name originated as a topographical name for someone who lived near such places, or perhaps a nickname for someone who resembled some characteristic of these areas, such as being tall and rugged like the mountains. The earliest recorded spelling of the surname is from the 13th century, in the form of de Penne, found in the Pipe Rolls of Northamptonshire, England. Over time, variations of the name have arisen due to spelling changes and the influence of other languages, such as the French forms de Penn, le Penn, and Pennier, and the Irish forms O'Penn or McPenn. Notable individuals bearing this surname include the American political dynasty known as the Penn family, which includes William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, and his descendants who have held prominent roles in American politics, business, and academia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Penn

The surname Penn has a significant presence primarily in England and Wales, reflecting its historical origins. It is one of the oldest English family names, dating back to the Middle Ages. In England, it is most prevalent in counties such as Cheshire, Yorkshire, and Lancashire, which were traditional strongholds for the Penn family during medieval times. The name also appears in Wales, particularly in Flintshire, where the Welsh variant 'Ap Penn' or 'ab-Penn' is common. In recent years, due to migration and assimilation, individuals with the surname Penn can be found throughout England, Wales, and beyond, including in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants and spellings of the last name Penn

The surname Penn has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some of these variations include Penn, Penne, Pennecke, Pennack, Pennock, Pennekamp, Penning, Pennington, Pennell, Pennick, Pennix, and Pennock-Hichborn. These variations may have originated from slight mispronunciations or errors in the original spelling of the name, as well as changes in surname conventions over time. Despite these differences, all these variations are essentially derived from the same root surname and share a common ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Penn

Sean Penn, an Academy Award-winning actor, is one of the most renowned individuals bearing the surname Penn. Born in 1960, he is best known for his roles in films such as "Mystic River" and "Milk," for which he won two Oscars. His brother, Chris Penn (1962-2006), was also an actor who appeared in movies like "Reservoir Dogs" and "Footloose." Another notable figure is Michael Penn, a singer-songwriter and musician who has released several albums since the 1980s. Lastly, Sean's father, Leo Penn (1922-2007), was a director and actor who worked on various television shows and films throughout his career. These individuals have significantly contributed to the fields of acting, music, and directing, cementing the name Penn as a prominent one in entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Penn

The surname Penn originates from England and is of Norman descent. It is derived from the Old French 'pin' meaning 'pine tree'. The name was originally given as a topographic name to someone who lived near a pine tree or in an area characterized by pine trees. One of the earliest recorded bearers of this surname was Richard de Penna, who appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 during the reign of King William I of England. The Penn family played significant roles throughout English history. Sir William Penn (1621-1718), an early Quaker leader, founded Pennsylvania, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, in America. Other notable individuals with the surname include James Penn (1720-1771), a British politician and Lord Chancellor, and Thomas Penn (1750-1812), an American businessman and land speculator who helped found Philadelphia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Penn"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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