Fenn

See also: fenn and fenn-

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Proper noun

Fenn

1. A surname

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German

Alternative forms

• Fenne
• Venn (see usage notes)

Etymology

From Middle Low German venne, from Old Saxon fenni, 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.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /fɛn/
• Homophone: Fan

Noun

Fenn n (genitive Fenns or Fennes, 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).

Further reading

• “Fenn” in Duden online