Renan is a given name of French origin. It is derived from the Breton form of the Latin name Renatus, which means "reborn" or "born again." The name Renatus is itself derived from the verb renascor, meaning "to be born again."
The name Renan has a rich history in France and Brittany. It was popularized by the French writer Ernest Renan (1823-1892), who was known for his works on the history and philosophy of religion. Ernest Renan was born into a family of humble origins in Brittany, but he went on to become one of the most influential thinkers of his time.
In addition to its association with Ernest Renan, the name Renan has also been carried by other notable figures throughout history. For example, there was another French writer named Jules Renan (1839-1906), who was a close friend and colleague of Ernest Renan. More recently, the name Renan has been borne by political figures such as Renan Caloes, a Belgian politician who served as Minister of Energy from 2014 to 2019.
In terms of its popularity as a given name, Renan is not particularly common in either France or Belgium. However, it has gained some traction as a boys' name in recent years, perhaps due to its association with prominent historical figures. Ultimately, the name Renan carries with it a sense of history and cultural significance, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Renan experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a total of 381 children born with this name between 1968 and 2023. The highest number of births occurred in 2021 with 13 babies named Renan, while other peak years included 2000 (18 births) and 2017 (14 births). However, there were several years where only a single-digit number of babies were named Renan, indicating that the name's popularity was not consistently high.