This interesting and unusual name is of medieval English origin and is a topographic surname for someone who lived in a low-lying marshy area. The derivation is from the old English pre 7th Century "foenn", which is the East Saxon form of the word "fenn", meaning marsh or bog. In the modern idiom, the variants include Fenn, Venn, Vaun(e), Vance, Vanns, Van, Fenning and Fanning. Amongst examples of namebearers recorded in Norfolk are, one, Alice Fann who married Thomas Preston on October 8th 1593 at St.
Gregory's church, Norwich and Robert Fenne, the infant son of William and Ann who was christened on January 13th 1705 at St. Mary at Coslany church, Norwich.The Coat of Arms most associated with the family has the blazon of a silver shield on a blue fesse three silver escallops all within a blue bordure engrailed. The crest being a dragon's head erased. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John del Fan, which was dated 1199, in the Memoranda Roll of Essex, during the reign of King Richard 11, known as "The Lionheart", 1189 - 1199. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
Research into the possible origins of fenne leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of fenne.
There is a considerable probability that fenne has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where fenne is most abundant are the following.
The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named fenne are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname fenne.
It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of fenne could be modified.
We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname fenne, even though not all have been documented to our present day. If you or someone you know bears the surname fenne, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname fenne who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
The bibliography collects information related to the surname fenne, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of fenne.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of fenne, and at the same time, of surnames in general.