What does Renee mean and where does it come from?
Renee is derived from the French name René, which is derived from the Latin name Renatus. The name was popularized by the Christian meaning of being 'reborn' in a spiritual sense. It has been in use since the Middle Ages and remains popular in various forms in several cultures. Notable figures named
Cultural significance
Renee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of reborn.
Peak popularity
Reached #62 in 1967 — currently #1076 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Renee?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Renee?
Renee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Renee Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Renee Rose
Floral · soft ending
Renee Mae
Sweet · timeless
Renee Claire
French influence · crisp
Renee Jane
Literary · strong
Renee Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Renee right now?
Declining — down 17 spots — currently #1076 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1076 | 230 | ▼ down 17 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #1059 | 240 | ▲ up 64 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #1123 | 220 | ▼ down 93 · -9% births |
| 2020 | #1030 | 241 | ▲ up 55 |
| 2015 | #1085 | 241 | ▼ down 222 · -22% births |
| 2010 | #863 | 309 | ▼ down 320 · -42% births |
| 2005 | #543 | 529 | ▼ down 181 · -36% births |
| 2000 | #362 | 825 | ▼ down 80 · -16% births |
| 1995 | #282 | 986 | ▼ down 98 · -37% births |
| 1990 | #184 | 1,573 | ▼ down 66 · -36% births |
| 1985 | #118 | 2,439 | ▼ down 11 · -14% births |
| 1980 | #107 | 2,841 | ▼ down 20 · -17% births |
| 1975 | #87 | 3,408 | ▼ down 19 · -37% births |
| 1970 | #68 | 5,374 | stable · -2% births |
| 1965 | #68 | 5,497 | — |
The story of Renee
Renee has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. Its peak popularity was #62 in 1967. More than 186,322 babies have been named Renee since 1889. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1390 in 1895 to #1076 in 2023. Renee is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Renee in 1967:
Renee by decade
Renee peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 7 | |
| 1890s | 29 | |
| 1900s | 161 | |
| 1910s | 666 | |
| 1920s | 2,295 | |
| 1930s | 3,133 | |
| 1940s | 7,880 | |
| 1950s | 33,129 | |
| 1960s ★ | 56,124 | |
| 1970s | 37,980 | |
| 1980s | 24,701 | |
| 1990s | 11,285 | |
| 2000s | 5,897 | |
| 2010s | 2,794 | |
| 2020s | 241 | |
What are good nicknames for Renee?
What names sound and feel like Renee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Renee also consider these
How is Renee written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Renee
What does the name Renee mean?
Renee means "reborn" — a name rooted in France 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 Renee?
Renee is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby 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 Renee?
Renee originates from France tradition. France 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 Renee?
Renee is a two-syllable name pronounced R AH0 N EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Renee a common or rare name?
Renee is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.