Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Renae
GirlFrench, Latin· “variant of Renée, reborn”
- Meaning
- variant of Renée, reborn
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- ruh-NAY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #3,287
- US babies 2025
- 48
- Best rank
- #506 (1962)
- Peak year
- 1970
Meaning and origin of Renae
Renae is a French and Latin name that is usually said to mean “variant of Renée, reborn”.
Renae is a spelling of Renée, the French feminine of René, from Latin Renatus, "reborn." The name was used among early Christians to express spiritual rebirth, and it became popular in France and later in the United States. Renae is an American spelling that reflects the pronunciation, ruh-NAY, without the French accent mark. Renee, Renay and Renée are related spellings. Many families also use it as a middle name, where its two short syllables pair easily with longer first names. Renata is the Latin and Italian form.
Popularity over time
Renae first appears in US Social Security records in 1925. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 43 different years, starting in 1948. Its best national rank was #506 in 1962, and the most babies received it in 1970, when 386 were named Renae. In 2025, 48 babies were named Renae, and it ranked #3,287 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #823 in 1950, #599 in 1980, #1,430 in 2000, #3,113 in 2010, and #3,287 in 2025. Of the 14,141 US girls named Renae since records began, 23% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 2,932 babies. Since 2010, 756 more have been named Renae.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kerrie, Shellie, Janel, Claudine, and Malinda.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Renae ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #2176 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Renae is usually pronounced ruh-NAY, with one syllable. It has five letters, starts with R and ends in “-ae”.
Middle names for Renae
A few middle names that flow with Renae: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Renae
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Lists that include Renae
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Renae mean?
Renae is a French and Latin name that is usually said to mean “variant of Renée, reborn”.
What is the origin of the name Renae?
Renae has French and Latin roots. Renae is a spelling of Renée, the French feminine of René, from Latin Renatus, "reborn." The name was used among early Christians to express spiritual rebirth, and it became popular in France and later in the United States.
Is Renae a popular name?
Not especially. Renae ranked #3,287 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Renae a boy or girl name?
Renae is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Renae?
Renae is usually pronounced ruh-NAY. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings