Fenris is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "Fenrir", which means "the wolfish one". In Norse mythology, Fenrir was a monstrous wolf who was prophesied to kill Odin, the king of the gods, during Ragnarök, the twilight of the gods. According to legend, Fenrir was bound by the gods using a magical rope called Gleipnir until Ragnarök came.
The name Fenris is not particularly common, but it has been used in various forms throughout history. In Norse mythology, there are several characters named Fenrir or similar variants such as Fenri, Fenrisulfr, and Fenriz. The most famous of these is the wolf himself, who plays a significant role in many stories.
Today, Fenris is sometimes used as a given name for boys, particularly in countries with a strong influence from Norse culture and mythology. It is often chosen by parents who are interested in history, mythology, or fantasy literature, as it has a unique and powerful sound. Despite its origins in ancient mythology, Fenris remains relatively uncommon as a given name, making it distinctive and memorable for those who bear it.
Between the years 2011 and 2023, there have been a total of 142 babies named Fenris born in the United States. While it's not one of the most popular names, it has seen some fluctuations over time.
In 2011 and 2012, there were only 5 births each year with the name Fenris. However, in 2014, there was a notable increase with 10 births that year. The next few years saw a consistent rise in popularity: 14 births in 2015, 8 in both 2016 and 2017, then jumping back up to 13 in 2018.
The trend continued into the late 2010s and early 2020s with 14 births in 2019, 15 in 2020, and 13 in 2021. Most recently, there were 19 births in 2022 and 18 in 2023.
Overall, while the name Fenris may not be as common as some other names, it has shown consistent popularity over the past decade or so, with a total of 142 babies receiving this unique name since 2011.