Declining since 1985, #1,091 for boys today.
Popularity of Rene since 1880
Babies named Rene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 19 | 50 |
| 1890s | 53 | 84 |
| 1900s | 92 | 144 |
| 1910s | 231 | 840 |
| 1920s | 385 | 1,854 |
| 1930s | 386 | 1,742 |
| 1940s | 918 | 2,671 |
| 1950s | 4,733 | 4,946 |
| 1960s | 7,324 | 7,351 |
| 1970s | 3,693 | 7,266 |
| 1980s | 2,159 | 7,257 |
| 1990s | 1,093 | 7,140 |
| 2000s | 462 | 5,404 |
| 2010s | 190 | 2,883 |
| 2020s | 101 | 1,308 |
Meaning & origin
Rene is a French name meaning 'reborn' that has seen steady use in the United States since records began in 1880. Its peak popularity came in 1972, when it ranked highest among American boys. Since 1985, its usage has gradually declined, though it remains in consistent use today. In 2025, approximately 1 in 8,670 boys were named Rene, reflecting its modest but enduring presence. The name is most popular in states such as Arizona, Texas, and California, which have strong Hispanic and French cultural influences. Rene offers a classic yet distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with spiritual depth and European flair.
Rene is the French form of the Latin name Renatus, meaning 'born again.' It was used in early Christian contexts to signify spiritual rebirth through baptism. The name has been common in France since the Middle Ages and was introduced to the English-speaking world via French influence.
Where Rene is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rene” around the world
Where Rene lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ren
Variants: René, Renee, Renatus
Sibling names for Rene
Names that share Rene's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Camille, Marie, Celeste, Simone, Gabrielle, Annette, Jeannine, Paulette, Aline, Anjanette, Monette, Angenette, Delmy, Lorrayne, Nadyne, Paulett, Renelle, Trinette, Blondine, Coleta, Ivet, Geanette, Polette, Renaye
Brothers: Jean, Pierre, Andre, Louis, Marcel, Romaine, Danton, Lasalle, Rande, Marquet
Names like Rene
Names whose popularity has moved with Rene's over the last 50 years.
