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Renzo Boy

Popularity: #776 · Trend: ↗ Rising

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)

StateBirthsShare
CA 29
30%
NY 20
21%
TX 18
19%
FL 13
13%
WA 7
7%
NC 5
5%
VA 5
5%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19157
19176
19186
19196
19209
19219
19227
19237
19247
19258
19276
19295
19307
19319
19328
19566
19586
19616
19646
19686
19695
19705
19716
19727
19738
197412
197510
19767
19779
197810
19816
19835
198414
198515
198614
198723
198814
19897
199016
199117
199213
199323
199413
199520
199633
199736
199828
199937
200056
200146
200249
200351
200466
200565
200663
200769
200861
200960
201063
201171
201252
201358
201466
201575
201687
201763
201893
2019131
2020100
2021117
2022138
2023143
2024148