Fenn first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Fenn has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Fenn

An English name derived from a surname meaning "marsh" or "fen".

Popularity of Fenn by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Fenn is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Fenn.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 7 0
2022 5 0
2021 5 0
2019 7 0
2018 5 0
2017 7 0
2014 5 0
2012 7 0
2006 5 0

The history of the first name Fenn

The name Fenn is thought to have originated from the Old English word "fenn," which means "marsh" or "fen." This suggests that the name may have been derived from a geographic location or a description of a person's place of residence near a marshy area.

In the Middle Ages, the name Fenn was used as a surname, particularly in England. Some records indicate that the name was also used as a given name during this time period, although it was relatively uncommon.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Fenn as a first name can be found in the 16th century. Fenn Dighton was an English landowner who lived in Gloucestershire in the late 1500s. Historical records from the time mention him as a prominent figure in the local community.

In the 17th century, there was a Fenn Bittleston, who was a merchant and trader in London. He was known for his successful business ventures and his involvement in the city's guild system.

Fenn Shawcross, a British soldier and military officer, served in the British Army during the late 18th century. He participated in several campaigns and battles, including the American Revolutionary War.

In the 19th century, Fenn Hurlbut was an American clergyman and educator. He was involved in the establishment of several educational institutions and was known for his work in promoting education and religious study.

Another notable individual with the name Fenn was Fenn Woodridge, a British artist and painter who lived in the early 20th century. His works were exhibited in various galleries and museums across Europe, and he gained recognition for his landscape paintings and portraits.

While the name Fenn was not as common as some other names throughout history, it has been used sporadically across different cultures and time periods. The name's connection to the natural environment and its potential geographic origins make it a unique and interesting choice for a given name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Fenn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Fenn, please contact us.

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"Fenn first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on May 6, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/fenn-meaning-and-history/.

"Fenn first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/fenn-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 6 May, 2025

Fenn first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/fenn-meaning-and-history/.

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