What does Renard mean and where does it come from?
Renard is a French name meaning 'fox', derived from the Old French word 'renard', which was used to describe the animal known for its cunning and agility. Historically, the name has been borne by notable fictional characters, such as the fox in various fables. In France, the name Renard has been use
Cultural significance
Renard has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of fox.
Peak popularity
Reached #945 in 1965 — currently #10554 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Renard?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Renard?
Renard works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Renard Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Renard Rose
Floral · soft ending
Renard Mae
Sweet · timeless
Renard Claire
French influence · crisp
Renard Jane
Literary · strong
Renard Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Renard right now?
Rising fast — up 1268 spots — currently #10554 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #10554 | 7 | ▲ up 1268 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #11822 | 6 | ▲ up 176 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #11998 | 5 | ▼ down 3201 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #8797 | 8 | ▼ down 2077 · -33% births |
| 2010 | #6720 | 12 | ▼ down 1882 · -29% births |
| 2005 | #4838 | 17 | ▼ down 1523 · -32% births |
| 2000 | #3315 | 25 | ▼ down 1166 · -34% births |
| 1995 | #2149 | 38 | ▼ down 598 · -30% births |
| 1990 | #1551 | 54 | ▼ down 176 · +8% births |
| 1985 | #1375 | 50 | ▼ down 73 · -4% births |
| 1980 | #1302 | 52 | ▲ up 34 · +21% births |
| 1975 | #1336 | 43 | ▼ down 308 · -32% births |
| 1970 | #1028 | 63 | ▼ down 83 · +3% births |
| 1965 | #945 | 61 | ▲ up 292 · +49% births |
| 1960 | #1237 | 41 | — |
The story of Renard
Renard entered American naming records in 1910 and has been in use for over 114 years. With 2,668 total births recorded, Renard remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1829 in 1910, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10554 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Renard in 1965:
Renard by decade
Renard peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 23 | |
| 1920s | 38 | |
| 1930s | 41 | |
| 1940s | 118 | |
| 1950s | 421 | |
| 1960s ★ | 500 | |
| 1970s | 444 | |
| 1980s | 453 | |
| 1990s | 342 | |
| 2000s | 179 | |
| 2010s | 104 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎With 2,668 total births, Renard is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Renard?
Famous people named Renard
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Renard (medieval French noble)
Renard held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
R(
Renard (French author)
Renard immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
R(
Renard (French monarch)
Renard bore this name in the French royal court, spreading its aristocratic prestige across Europe.
R(
Renard (French philosopher)
Renard carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Renard?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Renard also consider these
How is Renard written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Renard
What does the name Renard mean?
Renard means "Fox" — a name rooted in French tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Renard?
Renard is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Renard?
Renard originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Renard?
Renard is a two-syllable name pronounced R IH0 N AA1 R D. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Renard a common or rare name?
Renard is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.