Reynard is a name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements "Ragin" meaning "counsel" or "advice," and "hard" meaning "strong" or "brave." The name Reynard is therefore interpreted to mean "powerful in counsel" or "strength through advice."
The name Reynard has a long history that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was quite popular among the nobility during this time period, particularly in France and England. One of the most famous figures associated with the name Reynard is the character Reynard the Fox from the medieval French poem "Le Roman de Renart." This character is known for his cunning and trickery, but he also possesses a certain amount of intelligence and wisdom.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Reynard. Some examples include Reynard de Saint-Albin, a French knight who fought in the Crusades during the 12th century, and Reynard de Brême, a French cleric and poet from the same period. In more recent times, there was Reynard de Villiers, a Dutch businessman and founder of the publishing company Elsevier.
Today, Reynard remains a relatively uncommon name, but it continues to be used in various countries around the world. It is often associated with intelligence, wit, and a certain degree of cunning or cleverness, likely due to its historical connections to the character Reynard the Fox. However, each person named Reynard will have their own unique qualities and characteristics that are not solely determined by their name.
The name Reynard has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States, with peaks and valleys in its usage. From 1915 to 1964, there were periods where the name was more commonly given, with a total of 32 births recorded during this time. The highest number of births occurred in 1960 and 1961, with 15 births each year.
However, after 1964, the popularity of the name began to decline significantly. Between 1965 and 1986, there were only 7 recorded births, indicating a substantial decrease in its usage.
Starting from 1987, there was a slight resurgence in the popularity of the name Reynard, with a total of 204 births recorded between 1987 and 2017. The highest number of births during this period occurred in 1992, with 17 babies named Reynard. However, even during this resurgence, the name remained relatively uncommon compared to more popular choices.
Overall, since 1915, there have been a total of 710 births recorded for the name Reynard in the United States. While it has experienced periods of varying popularity over the years, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child.