Meaning & History
Etymology and Biblical Context
Peninna is a Biblical Hebrew name, the original form of Peninnah. It appears in the Old Testament as the name of one of the two wives of Elkanah, the other being Hannah. The name derives from a Hebrew word meaning "pearl," "coral," or "precious stone" — a fitting name in the biblical narrative, where Peninna is portrayed as fruitful and bearing children, contrasting with Hannah's barrenness.
Notable Bearers
In 1 Samuel (chapters 1–2), Peninna is depicted as a rival to Hannah, provoking her because Hannah had no children. This rivalry is crucial, as Hannah's fervent prayer for a child leads to the birth of Samuel, who becomes a major prophet and judge of Israel. Peninna, though not the central figure, is remembered as a secondary but significant character that influences the narrative leading to Samuel's anointing.
Cultural and Linguistic Significance
The name Peninna and its variants (Pnina in modern Hebrew) have persisted in Jewish and Christian traditions. The root meaning of “pearl” aligns with the poetic imagery often used in scripture, and the name remains recognizably tied to its original biblical setting, though it has never been common in non-Hebrew naming traditions.
Related Names
- Peninnah — English form of the name, used in biblical translations.
- Pnina — Modern Hebrew variant, still used in Israel, often evoking the same gemstone meaning.
- Elkanah — Husband of Peninna, meaning "God has purchased."
- Samuel — Son of Hannah and Elkanah; the name means “name of God” or “God has heard.”
Key Facts
- Meaning: Pearl, coral
- Origin: Hebrew
- Usage: Biblical (Old Testament), Jewish
- Notable relative: Mother of Elkanah's children, rival of Hannah.