Renae is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is believed to have been coined by American author John O'Hara in his 1937 novel "Appointment in Samarra." In the novel, Renae is the name of one of the characters.
The meaning and history behind the name Renae are not as clear-cut as some other names. Since it was invented for a fictional character, there isn't a direct cultural or historical significance attached to it. However, some people have interpreted the name Renae as a combination of "Rena" (which means "joy" in Italian) and "Lee" (which is often associated with the Chinese surname Lee meaning "plum"). Therefore, some people might interpret the name Renae to mean "joyful plum," although this interpretation is not universally accepted.
Despite its uncertain origin and meaning, Renae has gained popularity as a given name in recent years. It is often used as an alternative to more common names like Renee or Reina. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Renae first appeared on the list of most popular baby girl names in the United States in 1942, reaching its peak popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In conclusion, Renae is an American given name with a unique and interesting origin story. While its meaning may not be as clear-cut as some other names, it has nonetheless gained popularity in recent years as a distinctive choice for parents looking for something different for their daughters.
Based on the given statistics, the name Renae has had a modest presence in the United States over the past few decades. From 1955 to 1985, there were a total of 33 babies named Renae born in the U.S.
The years with the highest number of Renae births were 1963 and 1966, each with 6 newborns sharing this name. The years 1955 and 1959 saw 5 babies named Renae each year.
While Renae may not have been one of the most popular names during this period, it still managed to maintain a steady presence over time. It's always fascinating to see how naming trends evolve throughout different eras!