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Renard Boy

Popularity: #916 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationreh-NAR / ʁə.nɑʁ

French; Latin

Meaning

French: 'fox'; Latin: 'renardus' (fox)

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Renard has its roots in the Old French word "renard," which means "fox." This term is derived from the Proto-Germanic *rēnō, which also relates to the Old High German "rīn" and the Old Norse "reynir," both signifying a fox. The transition of the name into English occurred during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when many Old French words entered the English language, particularly in the realms of literature and folklore.

Historically, the name Renard is associated with various literary and cultural figures. One notable example is the character Renard the Fox, a central figure in medieval fables and allegories, particularly in the "Roman de Renart," a collection of stories from the 12th century that depicted the cunning and cleverness of the fox. This character became emblematic of trickery and wit in European folklore, influencing various adaptations and retellings throughout the centuries.

The name also bears significance in heraldry and symbolism, where the fox is often associated with attributes such as cunning, adaptability, and intelligence. In medieval bestiaries, the fox was depicted as a creature that could outsmart its adversaries, reinforcing its association with cleverness. The name Renard, therefore, not only reflects a literal meaning but also embodies a rich tapestry of cultural narratives that have persisted through time.

In addition to its literary connections, Renard has been used as a surname in various regions, particularly in France and Belgium, where it has historical roots in noble lineages. The name's enduring presence in folklore and literature has contributed to its cultural resonance, making it a symbol of cleverness and adaptability in various traditions.

Trend Summary

The name Renard has seen limited use in the United States, maintaining a low profile in terms of popularity.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Renardo
  • Renardus

International Variants

  • Renardo (Spanish)
  • Renard (French)

Famous people named Renard

Fictional characters named Renard

Renard is a fictional character from the film The World Is Not Enough. He is a terrorist and the main antagonist who has a personal vendetta against James Bond.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Renard was first seen in the United States in 1910. Renard has ranked as high as #1060 nationally, which occurred in 1970, and has been most popular in Illinois, Louisiana, Florida, Michigan, and California. In the past 5 years the name Renard has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Renard (2005)

StateBirthsShare
FL 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19105
19165
19175
19188
19206
19235
19246
19256
19267
19298
19315
19335
19347
19365
193810
19399
19406
19415
19429
19449
194511
194612
194722
194818
194926
195017
195124
195233
195334
195450
195547
195659
195752
195859
195946
196041
196153
196255
196346
196453
196560
196656
196746
196846
196944
197063
197154
197249
197347
197427
197543
197633
197742
197838
197948
198052
198142
198240
198352
198441
198550
198636
198750
198847
198943
199054
199142
199239
199336
199427
199538
199616
199738
199828
199924
200025
200122
200216
200320
200419
200517
200617
200711
200816
200916
201012
201115
201210
201312
201414
20158
20169
201711
20185
20198
20206
20216
20237
20248