Raynard Boy
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
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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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
FL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1912 | 8 |
1914 | 5 |
1915 | 5 |
1917 | 8 |
1918 | 9 |
1919 | 6 |
1920 | 6 |
1921 | 9 |
1922 | 7 |
1923 | 10 |
1924 | 6 |
1925 | 12 |
1926 | 12 |
1927 | 11 |
1928 | 6 |
1929 | 7 |
1930 | 12 |
1931 | 5 |
1935 | 6 |
1936 | 6 |
1937 | 6 |
1939 | 8 |
1942 | 8 |
1943 | 5 |
1944 | 9 |
1945 | 10 |
1946 | 13 |
1947 | 15 |
1948 | 15 |
1949 | 21 |
1950 | 26 |
1951 | 22 |
1952 | 30 |
1953 | 25 |
1954 | 28 |
1955 | 44 |
1956 | 36 |
1957 | 29 |
1958 | 22 |
1959 | 63 |
1960 | 98 |
1961 | 121 |
1962 | 123 |
1963 | 98 |
1964 | 85 |
1965 | 92 |
1966 | 87 |
1967 | 64 |
1968 | 55 |
1969 | 49 |
1970 | 34 |
1971 | 45 |
1972 | 30 |
1973 | 26 |
1974 | 30 |
1975 | 22 |
1976 | 23 |
1977 | 21 |
1978 | 35 |
1979 | 30 |
1980 | 30 |
1981 | 50 |
1982 | 40 |
1983 | 53 |
1984 | 52 |
1985 | 54 |
1986 | 59 |
1987 | 58 |
1988 | 52 |
1989 | 75 |
1990 | 69 |
1991 | 55 |
1992 | 48 |
1993 | 39 |
1994 | 46 |
1995 | 34 |
1996 | 27 |
1997 | 36 |
1998 | 27 |
1999 | 19 |
2000 | 29 |
2001 | 24 |
2002 | 9 |
2003 | 17 |
2004 | 21 |
2005 | 24 |
2006 | 21 |
2007 | 25 |
2008 | 21 |
2009 | 17 |
2010 | 22 |
2011 | 17 |
2013 | 18 |
2014 | 14 |
2015 | 20 |
2016 | 11 |
2017 | 10 |
2018 | 10 |
2019 | 15 |
2020 | 14 |
2021 | 8 |
2022 | 6 |
2023 | 5 |