A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Reynard since 1915
Babies named Reynard per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1964, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Reynard's real moment was 1975.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 16 |
| 1920s | 34 |
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 56 |
| 1950s | 75 |
| 1960s | 111 |
| 1970s | 120 |
| 1980s | 125 |
| 1990s | 89 |
| 2000s | 48 |
| 2010s | 25 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Reynard is an old French name meaning 'fox', famously borne by the cunning protagonist of the medieval Reynard cycle. In the United States, it first appeared in Social Security records in 1915 but has never been a common choice. Its peak year came in 1975, and after decades of obscurity, it has been rising in usage since 2022, reflecting a growing interest in vintage and literary names. While its one-in-N ratio is not available due to its low frequency, the name's recent trajectory suggests a revival among parents seeking something distinctive. Reynard remains rare, with no top state concentrations, making it a unique option for those drawn to its folkloric charm.
Reynard derives from the Old French 'renart', meaning 'fox'. The name became widely known through the medieval beast epic 'Reynard the Fox', where the clever fox is named Reynard. In English, the name has also been used as a variant of Reynold, which comes from the Germanic elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'wald' (rule).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rey, Ren, Rennie
Sibling names for Reynard
Names that share Reynard's style, for a brother or sister.
