Fenwick is an English surname, originally derived from a place name that combines the Old English elements fenn (fen, swamp, bog) and wic (village, town). Thus, the name literally means "dwelling near the fen" or "marshy village." As a toponymic surname, it would have been given to someone who lived in or near a settlement called Fenwick, examples of which exist in Northumberland and Yorkshire, England. The -wick suffix is common in English place names, indicating a settlement or farmstead. Etymology The name Fenwick exemplifies a typical Old English compound. The element fenn refers to low, wet land, while wic (from Latin vicus) meant a dwelling or a cluster of buildings. Over time, wic came to denote a village or a farm. The name thus describes a homestead located in a boggy area, reflecting the landscape of early medieval England. Notable Bearers Although Fenwick is primarily a surname, it has also been used as a given name. Notable individuals with the given name include: Fenwick W. English (born 1939), American educational leader and author Fenwick Lionel Kelly (1863–1944), Canadian politician Fenwick Lansdowne (1937–2008), Canadian wildlife painter Fenwick Lawson (born 1932), English sculptor Fenwick Skrimshire (1774–1855), English physician and naturalist Fenwick Smith (1949–2017), American flutist R. Fenwick Taylor (1849–1926), American lawyer and politician Michael Fenwick Briggs (1926–2017), British businessman Cultural Significance In popular culture, Fenwick appears as a character in the animated series Ninjago and as the antihero Fenwick Travers in novels by Raymond M. Saunders. It also was used for a character portrayed by American comedian Jackie Gleason, adding a touch of familiarity for mid-20th-century audiences. Key Facts Meaning: "Dwelling by the fen" or "marshy village" Origin: Old English place name Type: Surname (sometimes used as a given name) Usage Regions: England, North America