The nameRen

Ren is a short Japanese name meaning "lotus". It is also a short form of Lauren or Warren.

Meaning

In Japanese ren can mean "lotus" or "love". In English it can shorten Lauren, Renata or Warren.

Origin

Japanese or English.

History

In England and Wales Ren reached 427th for boys in 2025, its best rank since 1996.

Popularity of the name Ren

Ren in the United States

1144thmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
2023peak year (287 births)
3,332babies named Ren in the United States since 1880
0144287 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Ren was most popular in the United States in the 2020s, with 1,277 births over the decade, 38% of all recorded babies named Ren. Its rise began around 1985, and it peaked in 2023. Half of all babies named Ren in the United States were born before 2017, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 255 births a year on average, against 127 in the five years before.

Ren in the United Kingdom

450thmost popular boys' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2025peak year (113 births)
766babies named Ren in the United Kingdom since 1997
057113 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Ren was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 481 births over the decade, 63% of all recorded babies named Ren. Its rise began around 2006, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Ren in the United Kingdom were born before 2021, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 88 births a year on average, against 38 in the five years before.

Sibling names for Ren

Names from the same generation as Ren, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Ren? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Ren with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Ren side by side with the name of your choice.

Ren in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Ren mean?

In Japanese ren can mean "lotus" or "love". In English it can shorten Lauren, Renata or Warren.

What is the origin of the name Ren?

Japanese or English.

Is Ren a girl's or a boy's name?

Ren is a unisex name, given to both girls and boys. In the United States, 22% of the babies named Ren are girls.

How popular is the name Ren?

In 2024, Ren was the 1144th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 183 births.

What are good sibling names for Ren?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Gaia, Akari, Yuna and Odette for a sister, Kenji, Ollie, Alessio and Zayan for a brother.