Find out how popular the first name Fenna has been for the last 22 years (from 2003 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Fenna by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Fenna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Fenna.

The history of the first name Fenna

The given name Fenna originated in the Frisian language, which is a West Germanic language spoken in the northern Netherlands and parts of Germany. It is believed to have derived from the Old Frisian word "fenn," meaning "fenland" or "marshy land." This suggests that the name may have been initially used to denote someone who lived near or in a marshy region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Fenna can be traced back to the 9th century. It is mentioned in the Frisian legal text known as the "Lex Frisionum," which was a compilation of laws and customs that governed the Frisian people during that period. This suggests that the name was in use among the Frisians as early as the Middle Ages.

In the 12th century, a woman named Fenna van Stavoren was recorded as being a wealthy and influential figure in the city of Stavoren, which was a prominent trading center in the Frisian region at the time. She is believed to have played a significant role in the city's economic and political affairs.

Another notable figure who bore the name Fenna was Fenna Mastenbroek, a Dutch artist and sculptor who lived from 1899 to 1987. She was known for her distinctive style, which combined elements of modernism and traditional Dutch folk art. Her works are displayed in various museums and galleries throughout the Netherlands.

In the field of literature, Fenna Wilkens (1923-2007) was a Dutch writer and poet who gained recognition for her contributions to children's literature. She published numerous books and poems that explored themes of childhood and imagination, earning her several literary awards and accolades.

One of the most recent historical figures with the name Fenna was Fenna Oosterhoff (1924-2019), a Dutch resistance fighter during World War II. She played a crucial role in the Dutch resistance movement against the German occupation, risking her life to aid Allied forces and shelter Jewish refugees. She was recognized for her bravery and received several honors, including the Dutch Resistance Memorial Cross.

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 Fenna was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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