The first name Rene

In 2025, 14 boys were named Rene, making it the 1,798th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 1998, with 19 births (#1,076).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Rene with other names.

In 2025, 197 boys born in the United States were named Rene, the 1,092nd most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 1962, when 916 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• René Descartes
  French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist (1596–1650)
• René Magritte
  Belgian surrealist (1898–1967)
• François-Auguste-René de Chateaubriand
  French writer, politician and historian (1768–1848)
• René Goscinny
  French comic book artist and author (1926-1977)
• René Coty
  17th President of the French Republic (1882–1962)
• Rene Russo
  American actress and model, born 1954
• René Laennec
  French physician, inventor of stethoscope (1781-1826)
• René Guénon
  French metaphysician (1886-1951)
• René Higuita
  Colombian footballer and manager (born 1966)
• René Préval
  Ex-President of Haiti (1943-2017)
• René Clair
  French filmmaker and writer (1898–1981)
• René Thom
  French mathematician (1923–2002)

• Avery
• Ollie
• Robin
• Michel
• Jules
• Dominique
• Noel
• Palmer
• Sacha
• Blaise
• Bellamy
• Andree
• Clovis
• Clair
• Wallis
• Romaine

All 210 names of French origin

What does the name Rene mean?

Borrowed from French René.

What is the origin of the name Rene?

Borrowed from French René.

How popular is the name Rene?

In 2025, 14 boys born in England and Wales were named Rene, ranking 1,798th. Its peak was 1998, with 19 births.

Is Rene a boy's or a girl's name?

Both. Of the 72,779 US babies named Rene since 1880, 30% were girls and 70% boys.

When was Rene most popular?

1962 in the United States, when 916 babies were named Rene, its highest rank at 306th.

How do you pronounce Rene?

Rene is /rəˈneɪ/, 2 syllables.

Is Rene also a surname?

Yes. Rene is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.