"reborn, born again"
Origin: Latin via French
Language: French
Renee
Pronunciation: [ r-uhn-AY ]
Does Renee flow with your last name?
A French rebirth name with Old World elegance
French
English
American
Classic
Elegant
Vintage
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"spiritually renewed"
Origin: Latin Christian
Language: Latin
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The Story of Renee
Renee is the French feminine form of Rene, from the Latin Renatus meaning reborn or born again. The name originated as a baptismal name reflecting the Christian concept of spiritual rebirth through baptism — being reborn in the faith. It became popular in France in the 16th century and spread through French-speaking populations. In written French, the name typically includes an accent (Renée), though the accented form is often dropped in English usage.
Renee was a popular American name in the 1950s-1970s, part of the wave of French-influenced names that appealed to American parents seeking sophistication. It peaked in the US in the early 1970s and has since settled into classic-but-not-overused territory.
In France, names with the reborn meaning have long been associated with baptism and the Christian spiritual journey. Rene Descartes, the great French philosopher, bears the masculine form, lending the name intellectual prestige.
Historical Record
Renee first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 171,579 babies have been named Renee in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Renee is past its peak , currently ranked #1,048 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Rene Descartes, who coined the phrase I think therefore I am, bears the male form of this name
- Renee Zellweger won two Academy Awards and is one of the most recognized bearers of this name today
Renee in Other Languages
Latin
Renatus
French
Renée
Italian
Renata
Spanish
Renata
Portuguese
Renata
Popularity Over Time
#1,048
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1967
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Renee
R
Renee Zellweger
Actor
1969
American actress, two-time Academy Award winner for Cold Mountain and Judy
R
Rene Descartes
Scientist
1596
French philosopher and mathematician, father of modern philosophy, coined the phrase I think therefore I am
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Compare Renee with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,048
- Total SSA Count
- 239
- Cultural Origins
- French English American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ren
Rene
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Renee
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Renee is also used as a boy name, ranked #10934.
View Renee as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Renee
What does the name Renee mean?
"reborn, born again" (from Latin via French). "spiritually renewed" (from Latin Christian). Renee is the French feminine form of Rene, from the Latin Renatus meaning reborn or born again. The name originated as a baptismal name reflecting the Christian concept of spiritual rebirth through baptism — being reborn in the faith. It became popular in France in the 16th century and spread through French-speaking populations. In written French, the name typically includes an accent (Renée), though the accented form is often dropped in English usage.
What is the origin of the name Renee?
Renee has Latin via French, Latin Christian, French, English, and American origins. In Latin via French, it means "reborn, born again". In Latin Christian, it means "spiritually renewed".
Is Renee a boy or girl name?
Renee is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1048. As a boy name, it is ranked #10934. Renee is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Renee?
Renee is pronounced r-uhn-AY.
How popular is the name Renee?
Renee is currently ranked #1048 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Renee?
Common nicknames for Renee include Ren and Rene.
What are good middle names for Renee?
Popular middle name pairings include Renee Marie, Renee Louise, Renee Claire, Renee Grace, Renee Nicole, Renee Elise, and Renee Ann.
What are good sibling names for Renee?
Names that pair well with Renee as siblings include Celeste, Monique, Pierre, Francois, Dominique, Camille, Sylvie, and Marcel.
How many syllables does Renee have?
Renee has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Renee a common or rare name?
Renee is an uncommon name, ranked #1048 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Renee?
About the Name Renee
Renee is a girl name with French, English, and American origins . The name means "reborn, born again" in Latin via French .
Is Renee a boy or girl name? Renee is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,048 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #10,934. Renee is more commonly used as a girl name.
Renee is currently ranked #1,048 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Renee has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-uhn-AY, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Renee include Ren and Rene. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Renee include Renesmee, Renesmae . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis