Renzo Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationREN-zo / /ˈrɛn.zoʊ/Italian; Spanish
Meaning
Italian: 'ruler'; Spanish: diminutive of Lorenzo
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Renzo is of Italian origin, derived from the Germanic name Renz, which is a diminutive form of Lorenzo. Lorenzo itself traces back to the Latin name Laurentius, meaning 'from Laurentum,' a city in ancient Italy. The Latin Laurentius is rooted in the word 'laurus,' meaning 'laurel,' a symbol of victory and honor in classical antiquity. The transition from Laurentius to Lorenzo occurred during the early medieval period, as Latin evolved into the various Romance languages, with the name becoming popular in Italy by the 13th century.
Historically, the name Lorenzo has been borne by several notable figures, including Lorenzo de' Medici, a prominent statesman and patron of the arts during the Renaissance in the 15th century. The name has also been associated with saints, particularly Saint Lawrence (San Lorenzo), a Christian martyr from the 3rd century, whose feast day is celebrated on August 10. This connection to religious figures contributed to the name's enduring presence in Italian culture and beyond.
Renzo, as a diminutive of Lorenzo, gained its own identity in the Italian language, often used affectionately or informally. The name has cultural resonance in literature and the arts, appearing in various works that reflect Italian heritage. Its association with themes of honor and triumph, stemming from its etymological roots, has allowed Renzo to maintain significance in Italian-speaking communities. The name embodies a rich historical legacy, reflecting both personal and cultural identity.
Trend Summary
Renzo has seen a steady but modest popularity in the U.S. over recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Lorenzo
International Variants
- Renzo (Italian)
- Renzo (Spanish)
Famous people named Renzo
Renzo Piano is an architect best known for The Shard, Centre Pompidou, and Kansai International Airport.
Renzo Arbore is a television host and musician best known for his work on the Italian television show 'Indietro Tutta!' and for his contributions to Italian music.
Renzo Rosso is a businessman best known for founding the fashion brand Diesel and for his work in the fashion industry.
Fictional characters named Renzo
Renzo is a fictional character from the novel The Betrothed (Italian: I Promessi Sposi) by Alessandro Manzoni. He is one of the protagonists, a young man in love who faces numerous obstacles in his quest to marry his beloved Lucia.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Renzo was first seen in the United States in 1915. Renzo has ranked as high as #1212 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Virginia. In the past 5 years the name Renzo has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Renzo (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 29 | |
NY | 20 | |
TX | 18 | |
FL | 13 | |
WA | 7 | |
NC | 5 | |
VA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1915 | 7 |
1917 | 6 |
1918 | 6 |
1919 | 6 |
1920 | 9 |
1921 | 9 |
1922 | 7 |
1923 | 7 |
1924 | 7 |
1925 | 8 |
1927 | 6 |
1929 | 5 |
1930 | 7 |
1931 | 9 |
1932 | 8 |
1956 | 6 |
1958 | 6 |
1961 | 6 |
1964 | 6 |
1968 | 6 |
1969 | 5 |
1970 | 5 |
1971 | 6 |
1972 | 7 |
1973 | 8 |
1974 | 12 |
1975 | 10 |
1976 | 7 |
1977 | 9 |
1978 | 10 |
1981 | 6 |
1983 | 5 |
1984 | 14 |
1985 | 15 |
1986 | 14 |
1987 | 23 |
1988 | 14 |
1989 | 7 |
1990 | 16 |
1991 | 17 |
1992 | 13 |
1993 | 23 |
1994 | 13 |
1995 | 20 |
1996 | 33 |
1997 | 36 |
1998 | 28 |
1999 | 37 |
2000 | 56 |
2001 | 46 |
2002 | 49 |
2003 | 51 |
2004 | 66 |
2005 | 65 |
2006 | 63 |
2007 | 69 |
2008 | 61 |
2009 | 60 |
2010 | 63 |
2011 | 71 |
2012 | 52 |
2013 | 58 |
2014 | 66 |
2015 | 75 |
2016 | 87 |
2017 | 63 |
2018 | 93 |
2019 | 131 |
2020 | 100 |
2021 | 117 |
2022 | 138 |
2023 | 143 |
2024 | 148 |