Rising since 2015, #4,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Fennec since 2015
Babies named Fennec per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 0 | 40 |
| 2020s | 10 | 99 |
Meaning & origin
Fennec is a rare, modern name inspired by the small desert fox of North Africa. First recorded in the U.S. in 2015, it has risen gradually in use, peaking in 2022. Its 2025 rank is 4,539, with 1 in 77,640 newborns receiving the name. The trajectory has been rising since its debut, indicating growing niche appeal. The name has no significant association with any particular U.S. state. Its etymology is straightforward: borrowed from Arabic via French, it carries a distinct, exotic sound that fits alongside other nature-inspired and -ec ending names.
Fennec derives from the Arabic 'fanak' (فَنَك), referring to a type of fox native to North Africa, known for its large ears. The name entered English via French 'fennec' in the 18th century. As a given name, it is a modern coinage, first recorded in the United States in 2015, likely inspired by the animal's distinctive appearance and the fashionable -ec suffix.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Fen
Variants: Fenneck
Sibling names for Fennec
Names that share Fennec's style, for a brother or sister.
