Renny

Meaning & origin

Renny is a name of uncertain etymology, often thought to be a diminutive of names like Renée or Reynold, or a variant of Wren. First recorded in the United States in 1936, it reached its peak popularity in 1976, though it has never been common. As of 2025, it ranked 10,695, with an estimated 1 in 284,679 newborns receiving the name. Its trajectory has been falling since 2022, reflecting a decline in usage in recent years. While no top states saw high concentration, Renny's sporadic use suggests it remains a distinctive choice. Its unisex appeal and simple, friendly sound keep it in occasional use, particularly as a nickname or a standalone modern name.

Renny is primarily considered a diminutive or pet form of longer names such as Renée (the French feminine form of René, meaning 'reborn') or Reynold (from Old German Raginwald, meaning 'counsel-power'). It may also be a variant of Wren, after the bird. Its use as an independent given name emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States. Despite its unclear exact derivation, it has been used for both boys and girls, often as a nickname that transitioned into a standalone name.