All about the name FENLEY

Meaning, origin, history.

Fenley is a unique and captivating name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English elements "fen," meaning marsh or fenland, and "leah," which signifies clearing in the woods. Therefore, Fenley can be interpreted as "marsh clearing" or "wetland meadow."

The name Fenley has a rich history dating back to medieval England. It was often used as a surname before evolving into a given name in recent times. Some early records of the name include Fenlee and Fenlie.

In literature, Fenley is notably found in the works of Thomas Hardy. In his novel "Far from the Madding Crowd," one of the characters is named Fenelon, which is believed to be an inspiration for the modern spelling Fenley.

Today, Fenley is still a rare name but continues to gain popularity as parents seek unique and meaningful names for their children. It is often associated with nature and tranquility, reflecting its origins in the English countryside. Despite its rarity, Fenley has a strong and distinct character that sets it apart from other names.

See also

English

Popularity of the name FENLEY since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

Fenley is an uncommon name in the United States, with only a total of 11 recorded births since 2008. The name first appeared on the Social Security Administration's baby names list in 2008, with five newborns bearing this unique moniker that year. In recent years, Fenley has seen a slight increase in popularity, with six babies being given this name in 2022 alone. Despite its recent uptick, Fenley remains a rare choice among parents, making it a distinctive option for those seeking an uncommon and special name for their child.