"reborn, born again"
Origin: Latin via French
Language: French
Renee
Pronunciation: [ r-uhn-AY ]
Girl Name
#1,048 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A French rebirth name with Old World elegance
French
English
American
Classic
Elegant
Vintage
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"spiritually renewed"
Origin: Latin Christian
Language: Latin
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.
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
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
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
Pairs Well With
Renee Marie
Renee Louise
Renee Claire
Renee Grace
Renee Nicole
Renee Elise
Renee Ann
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Renee is also used as a boy name, ranked #10934.
View Renee as a boy name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (French)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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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.
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.