Last Name Renart

Learn more about the origin of the last name Renart

The meaning and origin of the last name Renart

The surname Renart is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "renart," which means 'fox.' This surname was likely given as an occupational name for someone who was a trapper or hunter of foxes, or perhaps a nickname for someone thought to resemble a fox in some way. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved from various regional variations, such as Renart, Renard, Reynard, and Renardo. The name is most commonly found in France but has also spread to other parts of Europe and the English-speaking world due to French colonization and immigration. Notable figures with the surname Renart include the medieval author Marie de France, who wrote lais and romances in Old French.

Geographical distribution of the last name Renart

The surname Renart is predominantly found in France and Belgium, with significant concentrations in both countries. In France, it is most prevalent in the regions of Normandy, Brittany, and Picardy, reflecting its French origins. The name's etymology is believed to be derived from "renard," which means fox in French, suggesting a possible connection to the region's geography or local folklore. In Belgium, Renart is common in the Wallonia region, particularly in cities like Liège and Namur. Outside of France and Belgium, variations of the name can be found in other French-speaking countries like Switzerland and Canada, with smaller numbers appearing in other parts of Europe and North America as a result of migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Renart

The surname Renart has several variations and spellings due to historical and geographical factors. Some common variants include Renartus, Renard, Reynard, Reynart, Reinhart, Reinhard, and Rehnart. These variations can be found in various countries including France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. In French-speaking regions, Renart is often spelled as Renard or Reynard, while in German-speaking areas it's more common to find the surname as Reinhart or Reinhard. The name may have originated from the Old Norse word "Renr", meaning fox, which could suggest an association with the mythical trickster character Reynard the Fox. However, the exact etymology of the name remains unclear due to its widespread usage across Europe over many centuries.

Famous people with the last name Renart

Notable individuals with the surname Renard include:

1. Alphonse de Châteaubriand Renard (1824-1903), a Swiss zoologist who established the field of ethology, studying animal behavior and instincts. He is best known for describing the territorial markings of animals, known as Renard's spots.

2. Marc Renard (1876-1939), a French novelist, playwright, and poet who gained recognition for his literary works, including the novels "La Vie est un songe" and "Le Bataillon du Mort."

3. Pierre Renard (1875-1939), a French poet, essayist, and novelist best known for his association with the Symbolist movement in poetry. His works include "Le Maitre des Amours" and "Les Chants de la Nuit."

4. Jean Reno (born 1948), a French actor who has appeared in numerous films, most notably "The Professional," "Godzilla," and the "Mission: Impossible" series.

5. Tara Renard (born 1966), an American actress and director known for her work in television, including "The X-Files," "Battlestar Galactica," and "Star Trek: Voyager."

Genealogical research on the last name Renart

The surname Renart is of French origin, derived from the Old French "renard," meaning fox, reflecting an occupational or nickname for someone who resembled a fox or perhaps a gamekeeper or trapper. The name has been traced back to the Middle Ages in France, with early records showing Jean Renart mentioned in 1206 in Picardy and Eustache Renart in 1254 in Champagne.

The Renarts were an influential family during the medieval period. Robert Renart was a trouvère (a medieval French poet) active around 1200, while Jehan Renart, his son, was a renowned composer who wrote one of the earliest surviving French chansons de geste, "La Vie de Saint Alexis," in the early 13th century.

The name spread to other regions as families migrated or were invited to settle in different parts of Europe. The Renarts played significant roles in various historical events, such as the Crusades and the Hundred Years' War. Renart family members have been recorded in Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, England, and North America since the late Middle Ages.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Renart"
• 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 : 23 July 2025