All about the name

Fennell

Male

« Fennell is an uncommon Irish given name derived from the surname Ó Fionnalláin, meaning "descendant of fair hero". »

#41562 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

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 numbers

Popularity of the name Fennell since 1880

Total births
5
Total since 1880
Peak year
1960
5 births
in 1960
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years