Fenn

See also: fenn and fenn-

English

Etymology
  • As an English topographic surname, from the noun fen.
  • As a south German surname, from Fenn (“bog, swamp”), related to the above. Compare Fehn.
  • As a Chinese surname, from 馮／冯, compare Feng.

Proper noun

Fenn

  1. A surname.

German

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Middle Low German venne, from Old Saxon fenni, from Proto-West Germanic *fani, from Proto-Germanic *fanją.

The word did exist in High German (Old High German fenni), but Middle High German venne is rare and the word was later lost in Upper German and most dialects of Central German. The modern form is therefore based chiefly on the Low German lineage.

Cognate with Dutch veen, Walloon fagne (also Walloon fa and Walloon fwè, both only in toponymy) and French fange.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /fɛn/
  • Audio(file)
  • Homophone: Fan

Noun

Fenn n (strong, genitive Fennes or Fenns, plural Fenne)

  1. (regional, northern and central Germany) mire, bog, fen
    Synonyms: Moor, Sumpf

Usage notes

The word is rather rare in free use but common in geographical names, in which it is sometimes spelt Venn (most prominently in Hohes Venn).

Declension
Declension of Fenn [neuter, strong]
singular plural
indef. def. noun def. noun
nominative ein das Fenn die Fenne
genitive eines des Fennes, Fenns der Fenne
dative einem dem Fenn, Fenne1 den Fennen
accusative ein das Fenn die Fenne

1Now rare, see notes.

Further reading
  • “Fenn” in Duden online
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