Last Name Renard

The surname Renard is of French origin. It derives from the Old French word "renart," meaning fox, and was often given to individuals who had a fox-like appearance, personality, or occupation related to foxes such as trappers or hunters. The name has been widely distributed throughout France and its territories, and is also found in Belgium, Switzerland, and other French-speaking regions. Over time, it has also been anglicized to Reynard in English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Renard

The meaning and origin of the last name Renard

The surname Renard is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "renart," which means fox. It was initially used as a given name, symbolizing cunningness or trickery, traits commonly associated with the animal. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary family name, often among families who lived near wooded areas where foxes were common. The popularity of this surname expanded beyond France due to historical migrations and the influence of French culture, particularly during the Middle Ages and the Age of Exploration. Today, Renard is a widespread surname in many countries, particularly those with significant French influence such as Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Renard

The surname Renard is most prevalent in France, with significant concentrations in regions such as Normandy, Brittany, and Picardy. It also has notable frequency in Wallonia, a French-speaking region of Belgium. In Canada, the name is particularly common in Quebec due to historical French immigration. The name can also be found in other French-speaking countries like Switzerland and Luxembourg. Additionally, Renard is present in various parts of Europe including Spain, Italy, and Germany as a result of surname migrations. Outside of Europe, Renard has a presence in the Americas, particularly in the United States, where it can be traced back to early French colonization and immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Renard

The surname Renard has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common spelling variations include Reynard, Raynard, Reinaud, Reynaud, Reinart, Reinhart, Rinard, and Renart. These alterations can be attributed to regional dialects, historical spelling conventions, and phonetic changes over time. Additionally, the name may have been transcribed differently in various records due to the limited alphabet availability or scribes' interpretation of the pronunciation. Regardless of the specific spelling, all variations share a common ancestry derived from the Old French "Renart," meaning fox.

Famous people with the last name Renard

Notable individuals bearing the surname Renard include: 1. Jean Renoir (1894-1979), a French film director and painter, widely regarded as one of the masters of French cinema, best known for films such as "The Grand Illusion" and "La Règle du Jeu." 2. Alain Renais (1925-2016), another French filmmaker, who gained international recognition for his surrealist documentaries, including "Nightmail" and "Last Year at Marienbad." 3. Marc Renard (born 1974), a French footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Bordeaux, Monaco, and Lyon, winning the Ligue 1 title with both Monaco and Lyon. 4. Jacques Renard (1801-1863), a Swiss painter and engraver who was influential in the Romantic art movement of the early 19th century. His works can be found in museums worldwide. 5. Jean-François Renard (born 1949), a French diplomat, who served as the Ambassador of France to the United States from 2009 to 2014. He was also France's representative to the United Nations in New York from 2006 to 2009. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on their industries and inspiring future generations.

Genealogical research on the last name Renard

The surname Renard, of French origin, is derived from the Old French "renart" meaning "fox." It was first recorded as a family name during the High Middle Ages (11th-12th centuries). One of the earliest recordings of the name was found in Normandy, France, where Willelmus Renardus was listed as a landowner in 1066. The Renard family can be traced to various regions in France, including Normandy, Picardy, and Burgundy, as well as Belgium and the Netherlands. During the Middle Ages, they were associated with various noble houses, such as the Plantagenets, the Capetians, and the Valois, and played significant roles in the political and social life of medieval France. Notable Renard descendants include François Renard (1524-1603), a French composer and organist; Jacques Renard (1578-1652), a Flemish Baroque painter; and Jean-Jacques Renard (1928-2020), a Swiss diplomat and politician. The name has since spread globally due to French and Belgian immigration, with notable Renards being found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Today, the surname Renard is ranked among the most common French-origin family names worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Renard"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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