Surname Renner - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Renner: What does the surname Renner mean?
The last name Renner is of German origin and primarily linked to occupational roots. It is derived from the Middle High German term "rennen" which translates to "to run." This surname, therefore, was traditionally given to courier or messenger in medieval times. Those with this occupation were known for their speed and agility as they were required to deliver messages over long distances. It suggests that the early bearers of this surname must have been very swift runners. Like many surnames based on occupations or personal characteristics, Renner would have started as a nickname before becoming a hereditary surname. Today, the surname is most common in Germany and in countries with significant German-speaking populations.
Order DNA origin analysisRenner: Where does the name Renner come from?
The surname Renner is most common today in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The name is of Germanic origins, derived from the German word for “branch” or “animal’s horn”. It is also found in Bavaria, where its roots are believed to date back to pre-medieval times. According to data from the 2020 census, Renner is among the top 75 most common surnames in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It ranks 37th most popular in Germany, 50th in Switzerland, and 58th in Austria.
Although it began as a name for someone who lived close to tree branches or animal horns, over the centuries the name has evolved and developed new meanings. In German-speaking countries, it is now synonymous with “courage” and “spirit”. The name is also found in other parts of Europe and around the world. In the United States, for instance, it is especially common in states with large German populations, such as Minnesota and Wisconsin.
In recent decades, the name Renner has also become popular in other countries outside of Europe. For instance, it is common in Australia, where it is spelled “Rennie”. It is also popular in the Netherlands, where it is spelled “Renners”.
Overall, the surname Renner is common today across Europe and beyond, symbolizing courage, spirit, and strength.
Variations of the surname Renner
The surname Renner can have many different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Variants and spellings of the surname Renner may include Rennar, Renners, Rennor, Rennard, Reynar, Reinar, Reynners, Rienner, Rennert and Rennardt.
Surnames of the same origin as Renner, including those which may be modernised versions of ancestral names, include Rau, Rauth, Rav, Ravn, Ray, Reine, Reyner, Rayne, Rane, Raune, Rauner, Rien, Riehn, Rieners, Rinn and Rayne.
It is also possible that the Renner surname may have derived from an individual's profession, such as a trader or renner of goods, or a renner of horses. Renner is likely of Germanic origin, and the word renner is derived from the Middle Low German or Middle Dutch word renen, meaning 'to run'.
In some cases, Renners may have originated from England, as many other Germanic names did in the eleventh century due to Norman Conquest. In addition, Renner is known to have been used by numerous Sephardic Jews from Spain and Portugal, and there are examples of the surname Reiners in many Germanic countries.
Renner is a name that is filled with rich heritage. There are many variants and related surnames, and the origin of the name is unique. With many spellings, it's important to research and identify the correct spelling and variants of the Renner surname in order to accurately trace one's ancestry and uncover family history.
Famous people with the name Renner
- Jeremy Renner: an American actor best known for his roles in The Avengers, The Bourne Legacy, and The Hurt Locker, for which he received an Academy Award nomination.
- Chris Renner: a Hollywood stuntman and actor whose credits include Troy, Blade, and The Bourne Legacy.
- Terence Renner: an American character actor best known for roles in films like Air Force One, Catch Me If You Can, and National Treasure.
- Jack Renner: an American voice actor, sound engineer, and audio mixer, known for his work on films like Cloverfield, Black Hawk Down, and The Hurt Locker.
- Franklin Renner: an American animator and television writer, best known for directing the Golden Books television series Ghostbusters and The Powerpuff Girls.
- John Renner: a world-renowned classical singer, best known for performing the works of Puccini, Debussy, and Verdi.
- Elizabeth Renner: an American children's author, best known for writing the novel Rainbow Valley.
- Aaron Renner: an American contemporary artist and sculptor, whose works explore themes of identity and isolation.
- Mark Renner: a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, best known for his solo acoustic work in the folk genre.
- Robert Renner: a German musician who was a founding member of the popular rock band Deep Purple.