Renay is a unique and distinctive given name of French origin. It is believed to have been derived from the French surname Renard, which means "fox" in English. This surname was originally given as an nickname to someone who was considered cunning or clever like a fox.
The use of Renay as a given name is relatively recent, with its popularity increasing in the latter half of the 20th century. It is thought that this shift may have been influenced by the trend towards using non-traditional names for children during this period.
There are no specific historical figures or events associated with the name Renay. However, it has been used by several notable individuals throughout history, including American actress Renay Hargrove and French singer Renay.
Overall, Renay is an uncommon but memorable name that carries a certain air of sophistication due to its French roots. Its meaning adds to its appeal as it suggests intelligence and resourcefulness, qualities often associated with the fox from which the name is derived.
The name Renay has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations from year to year.
From 1936 to 2015, there were a total of 789 births registered as Renay. The peak years for this name were between 1942 and 1965, with the highest number of births occurring in 1959, when 71 babies were named Renay.
Interestingly, after 1965, there was a significant decline in the number of newborns being named Renay. Between 1970 and 2015, the annual births ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 23, with an average of approximately 14 births per year during this period.
It is also worth noting that after 2006, there have been fewer than 15 births registered as Renay each year in the United States. This suggests that while Renay may not be a very popular name currently, it has had its moments of popularity throughout history.