Wren Overview
- Meaning: Wren means “small brown songbird.”
- Gender: Wren is gender-neutral, although it is more often used for baby girls.
- Origin: United Kingdom.
- Pronunciation: Wren is pronounced, “ren.”
- Popularity: Currently #494 on the popularity list.
- Nicknames: Ree-ree, Wrennie, Wrenna.
- Variations: Ren, Renna, Wrenn, Renny.
- Namesakes: Wren Blackberry, American author.
What Does Wren Mean?
Wren is a name that means “small songbird.” The meaning comes from the bird of the same name. Inspired by the small birds that heralded spring and the coming of the morning, this name is petite, pretty, and full of life.
What Is the Origin of the Name Wren?
The name Wren originates from a bird. Wrens are small brown songbirds native to England and Europe. They gather in trees and sing in the early mornings of springtime. Wrens are common birds and not very flashy, but they light up the early morning with their songs.
It’s unclear when people began naming their children after this sweet little bird. However, the name Wren was relatively popular throughout the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. It originated in the United Kingdom but has spread throughout the world (1).
How Popular is the Name Wren?
Wren has been slowly gaining popularity over the last decade and currently ranks as the 251st name for girls (2). In the United States, this is growing more popular. However, Wren is making a comeback after a popularity dip in the late 20th century. Although no one was naming their children Wren in the 1970s and 1980s, more and more people are turning back to the name.
How Do I Pronounce Wren?
Wren is pronounced, “Ren.” It’s an easy option if you’re looking for a simple yet unique name.
Is Wren a Boy or Girl Name?
Wren is most commonly a girl’s name. However, it can be gender-neutral, and there have been boys named Wren. It works well either way.
Variations of Wren
There are not many variations of the name Wren since it came directly from a type of bird. However, here are a few:
- Ren (Japanese)
- Renn (German, British)
- Renna (Anglo-Saxon)
- Wrenn (English, Gaelic)
- Wrenna (English, Gaelic)
Nicknames for Wren
Nicknames are often unique to a child’s personality or individual tastes. Parents and siblings can make up nicknames unrelated to the child’s actual name. While Wren is already a short name, here are some fun Wren nicknames:
- Ree-Ree
- Songbird
- Wrenna
- Wrennie
Similar Names to Wren
Wren is a unique name in that it is simple, gender-neutral, and nature-influenced. Many people hear the name Wren and know that it’s the ideal name for their new baby. However, if you aren’t quite sure it’s the name for your child, here are some similar names, both in tone and style.
Middle Names for Wren
Every first name needs a perfect middle name. It helps it flow with your last name and gives you an alternative if your child wants to go by something different later in life. Here are some middle names that flow well with Wren, for both boys and girls:
Sibling Names for Wren
If Wren has or will have siblings, it’s not too early to think about names that pair well. If you are looking at sibling names that flow well together, here are some options that pair perfectly with Wren:
For a brother:
For a sister:
Famous People Named Wren
Because Wren is not a very popular name and has a relative niche attraction, there are not many famous people with this name. However, there are a few with variations or with Wren as the last name. Here is a list of all the famous namesakes of Wren:
- Kyle Wren: American baseball player.
- M.K. Wren: American author.
- Renell Wren: American football player.
- Wren Blackberry: Children’s fiction author and teacher.
- Wren Blair: Canadian ice hockey coach.
Wren in Popular Culture
In the same way, pop culture hasn’t caught on to the name Wren like so many families have. There are some characters named Wren (or a variation), but not very many. Here are the ones we could find!
- Kylo Ren: A Star Wars character.
- Ren Hoek: Character in the “Ren and Stimpy Show.”
- Ren McCormack: The main character in the movie “Footloose.”
- The Wren: A character from the movie “Cube.”
- Wren: A character from the movie “Alien.”
- Wren Kingston: A character from the tv show “Pretty Little Liars.”
- Wren MacPherson: The youngest child from the comic strip “Baby Blues.”
Wren FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the name Wren. We hope they answer yours and help you on your naming journey!
Is Wren a Biblical Name?
A wren is a small songbird that’s native to England. Because the Bible was set and written in lands much further south, there are no direct mentions of wrens in the Bible. However, there are many other birds mentioned, such as the sparrow. A sparrow and a wren are close cousins.
Is Wren a Unique Baby Name?
Wren is unique but not unheard of for a baby name. Whether for a boy or a girl, Wren is a name that won’t get confused with other names and is sure to be the only Wren in the nursery. However, it’s common enough that you won’t have to spell it or worry about people being confused.
What Nationality Is the Name Wren?
The nationality of the name Wren has its roots in both Gaelic and Anglo-Saxon traditions, though it was more traditionally used as a surname.
