Fennell is a unique and uncommon given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname "Ó Fionnalláin", which means "descendant of Fionnallán". The name Fionnallán itself is composed of two elements: "fionn" meaning "fair or white", and "allán" meaning "heroic".
In Irish history, the O'Fennell family was a sept of the Uí Maine tribe who were located in County Galway. The O'Fennells were known as warriors and chieftains, and they played significant roles in Irish politics and culture throughout the Middle Ages.
While Fennell is not particularly popular today, it has been used as a given name in Ireland since medieval times. It was traditionally used for boys, but it can also be used for girls due to its unisex nature.
Overall, Fennell is a unique and historic Irish name with a strong connection to ancient Irish warrior culture. Its meaning of "fair hero" makes it a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
In the United States, the name Fennell was given to five babies in the year 1960 according to birth statistics. While it may not have been a common choice of name during that time, it is important to remember that each child with this unique name is special and loved by their family. The total number of births for the United States in 1960 was five, meaning that Fennell was one of the few names chosen by parents for their newborns that year.