Fenech is a surname about whose origins there are several hypotheses. The most notable is the meaning of "rabbit", since is rabbit in Maltese. This in turn comes from the Arabic word for fox, (, "fennec fox") which like the rabbit has large ears as its distinguishing feature and may have been confused during the development of the Maltese language, which is a descendant of the Siculo-Arabic dialect. The word is also thought to be a respelling of , the German for millet farmer. A possible Iranian derivation of the word has also been suggested. "Phoenician" variation Another variation is formed from the word Phoenicians. In fact, some bearers of this surname use the horse, a Phoenician symbol, on their crest rather than the rabbit. "Fenwick" variation Another variation is an Anglo-Saxon one where it is derived from a family living in Fenwick, which was in Northumberland and the West Riding of Yorkshire. This name was originally derived from the English fenn which means "marsh" and wic, which means "a farm". The surname Fenwick is still widely found in northern England and has spread through most English-speaking countries. Notable people Chantal Bondin, née Fenech (born 1980), Maltese footballer David Fenech (born 1969), French musician Eddie Fenech Adami (born 1934), Prime Minister of Malta Edwige Fenech (born 1948), Maltese-Italian actress and producer Francis Fenech (1892–1969), Maltese prelate who became a bishop in India Georges Fenech (born 1954), French politician Jeff Fenech (born 1964), Maltese-Australian boxer Mario Fenech (born 1961), Maltese-Australian rugby player Paul Fenech (born 1972), Maltese-Australian comedian Paul Fenech (footballer) (born 1986), Maltese footballer Ryan Fenech (born 1986), Maltese footballer Tonio Fenech (born 1969), Finance Minister of Malta Yorgen Fenech (born 1981), Maltese businessman See also Fenech (disambiguation) References Maltese-language surnames