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Raynard Boy

Popularity: · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationRAY-nard / /ˈreɪ.nɑrd/

French; Germanic

Meaning

French: 'counselor'; Germanic: 'brave, hardy'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Raynard is derived from the Old High German name "Reginhard," which is composed of the elements "ragin," meaning "counsel" or "advice," and "hard," meaning "brave" or "strong." This name evolved through various linguistic stages, transitioning from Old High German to Middle High German as "Reinhart," before being adapted into Old French as "Renard." The name made its way into English during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, where it was anglicized to Raynard or Reynard. The English adaptation reflects the phonetic and orthographic changes that occurred as the name was absorbed into the English language.

Historically, the name Raynard has been associated with notable figures and cultural references. One of the most significant is the character Reynard the Fox, a trickster figure in medieval European literature, who appears in various fables and stories dating back to the 12th century. This character symbolizes cunning and cleverness, and the tales of Reynard were popular across many cultures, influencing the perception of the name in literary contexts. Additionally, the name has been borne by various saints and nobles throughout history, contributing to its recognition and use in different regions.

Culturally, Raynard has resonated through its associations with bravery and wisdom, qualities that have been valued in many societies. The name's roots in counsel and strength have made it a symbol of leadership and resilience. In some contexts, diminutive forms such as Ray or Rey have emerged, reflecting a more affectionate or familiar usage. Overall, the name Raynard carries a rich historical and cultural significance, rooted in its etymological origins and the enduring tales that have shaped its legacy.

Trend Summary

Raynard has been a less common name in the United States, with fluctuating popularity over the years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Raynard
  • Reynard

International Variants

  • Reynard (English)
  • Reinard (German)

Famous people named Raynard

Raynard Kington is a physician and academic best known for his work in health policy and as the president of Grinnell College.

Fictional characters named Raynard

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Raynard was first seen in the United States in 1912. Raynard has ranked as high as #1013 nationally, which occurred in 1962, and has been most popular in Michigan, Florida, Illinois, California, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Raynard has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Raynard (2015)

StateBirthsShare
FL 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19128
19145
19155
19178
19189
19196
19206
19219
19227
192310
19246
192512
192612
192711
19286
19297
193012
19315
19356
19366
19376
19398
19428
19435
19449
194510
194613
194715
194815
194921
195026
195122
195230
195325
195428
195544
195636
195729
195822
195963
196098
1961121
1962123
196398
196485
196592
196687
196764
196855
196949
197034
197145
197230
197326
197430
197522
197623
197721
197835
197930
198030
198150
198240
198353
198452
198554
198659
198758
198852
198975
199069
199155
199248
199339
199446
199534
199627
199736
199827
199919
200029
200124
20029
200317
200421
200524
200621
200725
200821
200917
201022
201117
201318
201414
201520
201611
201710
201810
201915
202014
20218
20226
20235