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Renee Girl

Popularity: #712 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationreh-NAY / ʁə.ne

French; Latin

Meaning

French: reborn; Latin: born again

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Renee is derived from the Latin name Renatus, which means "reborn" or "born again." This etymological root can be traced back to the Latin verb "renascere," signifying a revival or renewal. The name transitioned into Old French as Renée, where it became a feminine form, and from there it entered the English language, particularly during the periods of Norman influence in England following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The adoption of the name in English-speaking contexts reflects the broader integration of French culture and language into English society during the medieval period.

Historically, the name Renee has been borne by various notable figures, including Saint Renatus, a Christian martyr from the early centuries of the church, whose veneration contributed to the name's enduring presence in Christian communities. The name also appears in literature and historical texts, with its variants and derivatives appearing in various forms across different cultures. The 17th century saw the name gain further prominence, particularly in France, where it was popularized by members of the nobility and through literary works, including those of the French playwrights and poets of the time.

Culturally, the name Renee carries connotations of renewal and hope, often associated with themes of resurrection and transformation, which have resonated deeply within Christian traditions. This symbolic significance has contributed to the name's lasting appeal across generations. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Renée or even the anglicized version, Rena, have emerged, reflecting the name's adaptability and the cultural exchanges that have shaped its usage. Overall, the name Renee encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and cultural significance, rooted in themes of rebirth and renewal.

Trend Summary

Renee experienced a peak in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s in the United States.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Renée

International Variants

  • Renata (Latin); Rena (Hebrew)

Famous people named Renee

Renee Zellweger is an actress best known for Bridget Jones's Diary, Chicago, and Cold Mountain.

Renee Olstead is an actress and singer best known for 7th Heaven, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and her music career.

Renee Taylor is an actress and writer best known for The Nanny, Lovers and Other Strangers, and her work in television and film.

Fictional characters named Renee

Renee Walker is a fictional character from the TV series 24. She is an FBI agent who becomes a key ally to the main character, Jack Bauer.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Renee was first seen in the United States in 1889. Renee has ranked as high as #142 nationally, which occurred in 1962, and has been most popular in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Renee has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Renee (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 38
20%
NY 23
12%
TX 21
11%
IL 14
8%
AZ 13
7%
OH 10
5%
MO 9
5%
VA 8
4%
WA 8
4%
IN 7
4%
NJ 7
4%
FL 7
4%
GA 6
3%
UT 5
3%
NC 5
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18897
18945
18957
18967
18975
18985
19007
19018
190210
190313
190413
190517
190614
190713
190829
190937
191035
191134
191248
191358
191473
191584
191678
191794
191874
191987
1920104
1921113
1922115
1923137
1924182
1925214
1926250
1927358
1928433
1929389
1930362
1931328
1932315
1933315
1934312
1935315
1936301
1937298
1938289
1939285
1940309
1941334
1942439
1943557
1944596
1945607
1946879
19471,001
19481,362
19491,733
19501,691
19511,868
19522,179
19532,694
19542,976
19553,692
19564,330
19574,178
19584,496
19594,845
19605,207
19615,782
19626,013
19635,776
19646,011
19655,497
19665,354
19675,565
19685,354
19695,255
19705,373
19714,830
19724,088
19733,846
19743,528
19753,406
19763,314
19773,259
19782,969
19792,979
19802,842
19812,997
19822,894
19832,846
19842,582
19852,440
19862,214
19872,048
19881,893
19891,658
19901,573
19911,409
19921,341
19931,133
19941,051
1995986
1996957
1997944
1998870
1999819
2000826
2001754
2002694
2003665
2004620
2005529
2006504
2007411
2008406
2009369
2010309
2011318
2012297
2013288
2014282
2015241
2016259
2017277
2018241
2019266
2020242
2021220
2022240
2023230
2024239