Last Name Renaud

Learn more about the origin of the last name Renaud

The meaning and origin of the last name Renaud

The surname Renaud is of French origin, derived from the Old High German name "Raginwald," which translates to "advice-rule." It was initially a personal name that evolved into a hereditary title during the Middle Ages in France. The Normans, who were originally from Scandinavia and northern France, introduced this name to England following their conquest of 1066, where it is known as Rannulph or Ranulf. The surname Renaud, like many others in Europe at that time, was typically passed down through the male lineage, reflecting the patriarchal society of the Middle Ages. Over centuries, variations and spellings such as Reynaud, Renault, Raynold, and Raymond emerged from regional dialects and scribes' interpretations. Today, Renaud is a relatively uncommon surname globally but remains most prevalent in France, Canada (especially Quebec), and the French-speaking parts of Switzerland and Belgium.

Geographical distribution of the last name Renaud

The surname Renaud has its origins in France and is predominantly found in that country. According to data from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), it ranks among the top 1000 most common surnames in France. Beyond France, descendants of French immigrants have carried the name to various parts of the world, including Canada, the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, and other French-speaking regions. In Canada, for instance, Statistics Canada reports that Renaud is among the top 1500 surnames, with a concentration in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The distribution pattern outside Europe and North America remains relatively sparse but may be found in countries with historical ties to France or significant French-speaking communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Renaud

The surname Renaud has multiple variants and spellings, reflecting its French origins. The most common English variations include Renald, Renold, Reinald, Renauld, Reynauld, Reneaud, Renoud, and Reynaud. These variations often arise from slight differences in phonetic pronunciation or regional dialects, as well as changes due to the assimilation of French names into English-speaking cultures. In some instances, the name may also be found with diacritics such as Rénaud or Renauld, which more accurately represent its original French spelling. Additionally, it's important to note that this name can also be found in other languages and spellings depending on the country of origin, such as Renaut (in Occitan) or Renner (in German).

Famous people with the last name Renaud

Notable individuals bearing the surname Renaud include:

1. Jean Reno (born 1948), a French actor known for his roles in films like "Leon: The Professional" and "The Big Blue."

2. François René de Chateaubriand (1768-1848), a French writer, politician, and diplomat, best remembered for his work "Révolution et Romantisme" and the novel "Atala."

3. Pierre-Étienne Renaud (born 1950), a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with teams such as the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, and Buffalo Sabres.

4. Sylvain Renaud (born 1972), a French politician from La Réunion, who served as Minister of Overseas France between 2016 and 2017 under President François Hollande's government.

5. Michel Renaud (1938-1992), a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL with teams including the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Black Hawks.

6. René Renaud (born 1940), a French retired football player who played for clubs such as Olympique de Marseille, AJ Auxerre, and FC Rouen. He represented the France national team in the 1962 FIFA World Cup.

Genealogical research on the last name Renaud

The surname Renaud originates from France and is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German "Ratwald," composed of the elements "rat" meaning counsel or advice, and "wald" meaning power or ruler. It is believed to have been initially used as a personal name during the Middle Ages, later becoming a hereditary surname. The name spread across Europe during the Great Migration period, with notable bearers found in France, England, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland. In France, it became more common in regions such as Normandy and Brittany. Notable figures bearing this surname include Renaud de Dammartin, a French nobleman who participated in the Third Crusade; and Renaud Caput, a French troubadour of the 12th century. The name remained prevalent in France and has since been carried to the Americas by French colonizers and immigrants. Today, it is primarily found in France, Canada, the United States, and other parts of the English-speaking world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Renaud"
• 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 : 14 June 2025