Surname Renn - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Renn: What does the surname Renn mean?
The last name Renn is believed to have originated in Saxony, Germany. It is believed that the name was derived from the Germanic word “rennen” which means to run or race. The name was likely given to people who ran or competed in races, or who were fast runners.
The surname Renn first appeared in records in the 900s AD, when it was found in documents listing people who ran around the city walls of Stendal in the German state of Saxony. The name then spread throughout Europe, and is currently found in countries including Germany, Switzerland, France, and the United States.
People with the surname Renn generally have strong running abilities or have accomplished feats of speed. They are often determined, active people who have been successful in their careers. Historically, Renns have worked in various professions, including traders, woodworkers, farmers, craftspeople, and soldiers. They also tend to have a strong sense of family and loyalty.
The last name Renn is a unique and special surname that has a rich history behind it. People with this surname can trace their ancestors back to the early German city of Stendal, and they can gain insight into their families’ pasts and see how their histories have shaped them.
Order DNA origin analysisRenn: Where does the name Renn come from?
The last name Renn can be found across the world today. It is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is also common in Germany, France, Luxembourg, and other parts of Europe. The last name can be found in the Middle East, as well as countries in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.
In the United States, the last name Renn is most commonly found in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio. However, it is also found in almost every state, with a few exceptions. The states where it is least common are New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.
In the United Kingdom, the last name is most prevalent in Wales and Scotland. It is also common in Northern Ireland, England, and various parts of the British Isles. The countries where this name is least common include Norway, Sweden, Italy, and Spain.
In Australia and New Zealand, the last name Renn is not as common as it is in Europe and North America. It is most commonly found in the larger cities, with a few exceptions.
The last name Renn could have originated in many different places. It could have been derived from a Germanic or Scandinavian surname. Alternatively, it could have come from a name with roots in British history, such as a family originally from Norman or Saxon regions. Other theories suggest it is an Anglicized version of the French surname Renné or the German Rennmeister.
Variations of the surname Renn
The surname Renn has many variants and spellings, including Rein, Reine, Reinne, Reinn, Rayne, Rainn, Raynn, Reinnen, Reinen, Rain, Reign, Rehne, Rehm and Rayn. The name is of Germanic origin, derived from the Olde German ‘rein’ meaning refined, or from ‘regin’ meaning judgment or decision. It initially served as a descriptive nickname for someone who was seen as particularly even-handed or judicious in their dealings.
In different countries, the surname might have slightly different spellings. For example, the French variant is Raine, or Rainée; the Latin form is Rena; the Polish version is Ryń; and according to some sources, the Italian version is Reina. In the middle ages, the spelling of surnames was often up to the local scribe, or even by the whim of the bearer.
The variations of this surname are many, perhaps more than any other, in different countries including the United States, Australia, England, Germany, and France. In Scotland, Renn is also a name for Irish immigrants who came to Scotland.
Alternative spellings may also have arisen through the Anglicisation of the name, which frequently included the addition of a ‘y’ – like Rayn or Rain. This subsequently became common in some cases, especially amongst US citizens of German descent.
The Renn surname still exists in many parts of the world today. Some of the best known modern-day recipients include the American television personality and author, Iyanla Vanzant, the German actress, Barbara Renn, and the professional English cricketer, Lewis Renn.
Famous people with the name Renn
- Andy Renn: Canadian professional soccer player.
- Elaina Renn: Canadian actress.
- Glenna Renn: American-born British psychologist.
- Naomi Renn: American actress.
- Julie Renn: American singer.
- Joediane Renn: American author and illustrator.
- Eddie Renn: American athlete.
- John Renn: American musician.
- Jo Renn: American actress.
- Murray Renn: Canadian actor.
- Reagan Renn: American musician.
- Kelsey Renn: American football player.
- Kira Renn: Swedish singer-songwriter.
- Anna Renn: American actress.
- Natalie Renn: American artist.
- Daphne Renn: American opera singer.
- Cooper Renn: American director and producer.
- Marty Renn: American wrestler.
- Freddie Renn: British actor and filmmaker.
- Desiree Renn: British singer-songwriter.