Rising since 1996, #1,038 for boys today.
Popularity of Ren since 1915
Babies named Ren per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 17 |
| 1920s | 0 | 22 |
| 1930s | 0 | 19 |
| 1940s | 0 | 59 |
| 1950s | 0 | 70 |
| 1960s | 0 | 65 |
| 1970s | 0 | 33 |
| 1980s | 11 | 201 |
| 1990s | 16 | 192 |
| 2000s | 68 | 280 |
| 2010s | 244 | 759 |
| 2020s | 477 | 1,101 |
Meaning & origin
Ren is a concise, unisex Japanese name that has gained modern traction in the United States. First recorded in U.S. data in 1915, it remained rare throughout the 20th century. However, from 1996 onward it has been steadily rising, reaching its peak rank of #1038 in 2025, with a 1 in 8019 incidence that year. The name shows particular popularity in Nevada, Washington, and Utah, suggesting a trend toward short, international names. Ren's gentle meaning 'water lily' contributes to its appeal, offering a cross-cultural option that feels both fresh and grounded.
Ren is a Japanese name that can be written with various kanji characters. One common reading uses the character for 'water lily' (蓮), which has associations with purity and beauty. In Japanese naming tradition, Ren has been used for both boys and girls, though it has seen a rise in popularity internationally as a short, simple name.
Where Ren is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Ren
Names that share Ren's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mia, Lena, Nora, Kai, Sora, Kiyomi, Midori, Yuki, Ai, Akemi, Akina, Ayari, Ayumi, Eri, Haruko, Hinata, Kaida, Mio, Mirai, Runa, Saya, Yui, Yuka, Ayame, Ayane, Hikari, Kaede, Minami, Misa, Nakaya, Shiori, Umi, Miyako, Aimi, Akita, Aoi, Aoki, Asuka, Chihiro, Chiyo, Daiya, Eimi, Emiri, Fumie, Harue, Himari, Hitomi, Izumi, Kamiko, Kanae, Kasumi, Mei, Miku, Momoko, Nao, Natsumi, Nozomi, Reika, Seira, Shima, Sumire, Yori
Brothers: Leo, Finn, Kai, Eli, Noah, Akari, Kaizen, Koi, Raiden, Akai, Kaito, Kento, Kou, Makoto, Rai, Riku, Ryo, Shun, Takota, Haruto, Hayato, Kenshin, Kyo, Satoru, Taiga, Yuji, Yuuki, Hikaru, Mamoru, Asahi, Hajime, Haruki, Iori, Kaisei, Kiyo, Minato, Morio, Seiya, Shion, Wataru, Yamato
