“Fievel” (also spelled Feivel/Faivel) is a Yiddish masculine given name that ultimately comes from the Greek name Phoebus and is usually explained as meaning “bright,” “light,” “shining,” or “bright one.” In some modern baby‑name sources it is also associated with ideas like “pure” and “sun,” and in certain Yiddish name lists it is additionally glossed as “living.”

The form “Fievel” is best known in English from the mouse character Fievel Mousekewitz in the animated film “An American Tail,” where it was used as an Anglicized spelling of the Yiddish name Feivel/Feivel. Historically, Feivel/Faivish is a traditional Jewish name, sometimes paired with other “light” names like Shraga, and reflects the broader Jewish custom of using names connected with light, fire, and brightness.