Ren: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Ren mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Japanese: Lotus, waterlily; love
Chinese: Benevolent, humane
Irish: Small, strong

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Ren is pronounced ren

The name Ren is derived from multiple cultural origins, including Japanese, Chinese, and Irish. In Japanese, it means "lotus" or "love," symbolising purity and affection. In Chinese, it signifies benevolence and humanity, values highly esteemed in Chinese philosophy. Ren is a versatile and culturally rich name, gaining popularity across different regions and media.

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Ren mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Japanese: Lotus, love
Chinese: Benevolent, humane
Irish: Little king; strong

Gender: Male, unisex

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Ren is pronounced ren

The name Ren has various cultural origins, particularly in Japanese, Chinese, and Irish contexts. In Japanese, it means "lotus" or "love," representing purity and affection. In Chinese, it implies benevolence and humanity, qualities revered in Chinese philosophy. Moreover, in Irish, Ren can mean "little king," adding a regal dimension to its significance. These diverse roots make Ren an increasingly favored for boys in different parts of the world.

Family name origins & meanings

English: unexplained. Perhaps a variant of Wren.

Dutch (de Ren): origin unexplained, variant spelling of German Renn.

Swedish : soldier’s name, from ren "reindeer."

Chinese: from the name of Rencheng "Ren City", which was granted to Yu Yang, the 25th son of the Emperor Huang Di (2697–2595 bc). Some of his descendants later adopted the place name as their surname.

Ren in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Ren Höek from Ren & Stimpy - Ren Höek is a chihuahua with a very erratic personality, known for his temperamental and sometimes psychotic outbursts.
Ren Stevens from Even Stevens - Ren Stevens is the overachieving and perfectionistic older sister in the Stevens family, often dealing with her mischievous younger brother, Louis.
Ren McCormack from Footloose - Ren McCormack is a rebellious teenager who fights to lift a ban on dancing in a small town, eventually bringing the community together through music and dance.
Ren Tsukihime from Kagetsu Tohya and Melty Blood: Re-ACT - Ren is a mysterious and quiet character from these visual novel and fighting game series, often seen assisting the protagonist with her powerful abilities and ethereal presence.
Lie Ren from RWBY - Lie Ren is a calm and collected fighter with a tragic past, known for his loyalty and martial arts prowess in the animated series.
Kylo Ren from the Star Wars series - Kylo Ren, originally named Ben Solo, is a conflicted character who battles between the light and dark sides of the Force, ultimately seeking redemption.

Popularity of the Name Ren

According to Social Security Administration data, Ren is not among the top 1,000 names in the United States, indicating that it is relatively uncommon. However, its unique and simple nature has garnered attention in recent years, particularly among those looking for a short, meaningful name. Historically, Ren is used in various cultures, with notable examples including Japanese actor and singer Ren Nagase and American animator and director Ren Hoek. Fictionally, Ren is known as a character in the popular anime series Attack on Titan and Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu.