Fenella
Girl name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Fenella: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 3 births in 2008.
Fenella is the anglicised form of the Irish Gaelic name Fionnuala, which combines *fionn* (white or fair) and *guala* (shoulder), giving it the lyrical meaning "white shoulder." In Scottish usage, the name has long been popular, partly through the romanticised Gaelic revival. Perhaps its most famous bearer is the English actress Fenella Fielding, known for her distinctive husky voice and roles in classic Carry On films. The name also echoes Fionnuala, the tragic daughter of Lir in Irish mythology, who was transformed into a swan for nine centuries. While Fenella has no direct place names tied to it, its softer sound makes it a favoured Scottish variant of the original, often chosen by parents seeking a
Girl 1 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20083 babies
- Latest (2008)
- #7933 babies
- Total births
- 3since 2008
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y