Renn

Meaning & origin

Renn is a modern, unisex name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1936, but its use remained rare until the late 20th century. In 2025, it ranked 5,399, with approximately 1 in every 100,475 newborns receiving the name. Its popularity has been on a rising trajectory since 1995, peaking in 2023. The name has not been tied to any particular state as a top choice, reflecting its broad but uncommon appeal. Renn's etymology is uncertain; it may derive from the English surname Wrenn or serve as a respelling of the Japanese Ren. As a short, strong, and gender-neutral name, Renn fits a modern naming trend favoring concise and distinctive choices.

Renn is a modern coinage or a surname used as a given name. It may derive from the English surname Renn, which itself could be a variant of Wrenn, an occupational name for a bird catcher. Alternatively, it could be a respelling of Ren, a Japanese name meaning 'lotus'. As a given name, it has gained modest use in the United States since the mid-20th century.