René
Encyclopedia
René is a common given name
in French-speaking countries. It derives from the Latin
name Renatus
. René is originally only a masculine name (Renée
being the feminine form). But in non-Francophone countries, the habit of giving the name René to both boys and girls is now common which sometimes surprises French speakers. In addition, both forms are used as surnames
(family names), probably as a patronymic
.
Modern US spelling variants of René include Reenae and Reenee.
Given name
A given name, in Western contexts often referred to as a first name, is a personal name that specifies and differentiates between members of a group of individuals, especially in a family, all of whose members usually share the same family name...
in French-speaking countries. It derives from the Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
name Renatus
Renatus
Renatus is a first name of Latin origin which means "born again" . In countries of Italian, Portuguese and Spanish languages it exists in a masculine and feminine form i.e., Renato and Renata. In the French language they have been translated to René and Renée. The feminine form Renate is also...
. René is originally only a masculine name (Renée
Renee
Renee is a feminine given name. This form of the name is in use in Australia, Canada, Latin America, and Europe.-Origin:Renee is the female form of René, with the extra –e making it feminine according to French grammar. The name René is the French form of the late Roman name Renatus and the...
being the feminine form). But in non-Francophone countries, the habit of giving the name René to both boys and girls is now common which sometimes surprises French speakers. In addition, both forms are used as surnames
Surname
A surname is a name added to a given name and is part of a personal name. In many cases, a surname is a family name. Many dictionaries define "surname" as a synonym of "family name"...
(family names), probably as a patronymic
Patronymic
A patronym, or patronymic, is a component of a personal name based on the name of one's father, grandfather or an even earlier male ancestor. A component of a name based on the name of one's mother or a female ancestor is a matronymic. Each is a means of conveying lineage.In many areas patronyms...
.
Modern US spelling variants of René include Reenae and Reenee.