Origin of the surname Fenney

This long-established surname has two distinct possible sources, each with its own history and derivation. Firstly, Fenney may be of Anglo-Saxon origin, and a locational name from Fenay, now Fenay Bridge, a hamlet south east of Huddersfield in the West Riding of Yorkshire, so called from the Olde English pre 7th Century "fen", fen, bog, low-lying arshy area, and the Olde English "ea", river, corresponding to the Old Scandinavian "a". As a second element, "ea" now most appears as "ey". Locational surnames were originally given to local landowners, and the lord of the manor, and especially as a means of identification to those who left their birthplace to settle elsewhere.

The surname is well recorded in the 1379 Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire, entries including: Adam de Feny and Willelmus de Feney. The second possibility is that Fenney is of Gaelic origin, as an Anglicized form of the Old Gaelic "O'Fiannaidhe", descendant of the warrior, a byname from the earlier "Feinneadha". This sept belonged to North Connacht, particularly Counties Sligo and Roscommon, and the contracted from "O'Fidhne" is found in Galway from whence it was transferred to Scotland where it was rendered Finney. Mary, John and Michael Fenney, aged 19 yrs, 28 yrs. and 32 yrs., respectively, who embarked from Liverpool on the ship "Marmion" bound for New York in November 1846, were famine immigrants into that city. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas de Fenay, which was dated 1379, in the "Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire", during the reign of King Richard 11, known as "Richard of Bordeaux", 1377 - 1399. 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.

The surname Fenney. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Research into the possible origins of fenney leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname fenney is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname fenney, and in addition to the original locations of fenney, we can find out where people with the surname fenney can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of fenney.

The surname Fenney around the world

There is a considerable probability that fenney 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 fenney is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname fenney provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations. The mobility of people carrying the surname fenney has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.

History of Fenney

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 fenney are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname fenney, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of fenney developed. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname fenney are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname fenney.

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 fenney could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about fenney and send it to us, we will update it on this website. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname fenney or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of fenney.

Notable Figures Named Fenney

We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname fenney, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname fenney were recorded by the chroniclers of the time. A surname like fenney can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname fenney, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.

The surname Fenney and its bibliographic sources

The bibliography collects information related to the surname fenney, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of fenney are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname fenney, as well as many other surnames. 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 fenney.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of fenney, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Fenney