Surname Rens - Meaning and Origin

Rens: What does the surname Rens mean?

The surname Rens is of Dutch origin. While it now serves primarily as a surname, Rens has roots as a given name, short for Laurence or the Dutch variant, Laurens. These names are derived from the Latin name Laurentius, which meant "man from Laurentum," a city in ancient Italy. Over time, Rens evolved into a surname. In addition to the Netherlands, the name can also be found in nearby Belgium and in areas with Dutch ancestry, such as South Africa. Like many surnames, Rens may have morphed over time and could have several variations. The meaning of a surname can often provide interesting information about the origin, occupation or status of an individual's ancestors, however in the case of Rens, it suggests a geographical link to its original bearer. Today, it's simply a family name passed down through generations.

Rens: Where does the name Rens come from?

The last name Rens is most common in The Netherlands (in Dutch, the spelling is often "Rens"), where it is ranked 775th in terms of popularity. It is also found in other areas of Europe including Germany, France, Belgium, and Sweden, and is especially common in the Netherlands and North-West Germany. The name is derived from a pet form of names beginning with the elements "ren" (advice, counsel) and "hard" (brave, strong).

It is also found in some parts of North America, primarily among people of Dutch, German, or French descent, as well as in South Africa, where it is believed to have been introduced by Dutch settlers. In the United States, it is most commonly found in states such as New York, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

Rens is not a particularly common surname in many parts of the world today, but its presence dates back centuries and its legacy is likely to endure for many more.

Variations of the surname Rens

The surname Rens is of Dutch origin and is derived from a diminutive of ‘Ren’, an old Dutch male given name. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Renn, Renne, Rennes, Rennau, Renno, Rennow, Rennolds, Rensch, Rentsch, Rantzau, Rens, Renz, Rehn, Rex and Reyns.

The original variant of the surname Rens is the Dutch Renn, though it has often been changed to iterations of Rens since its arrival in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. Renn is found in both Low-Saxon and Dutch areas in Germany, Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherelands and Luxembourg) and Switzerland. It is also found in some areas of France and Italy.

Outside of Europe, Rens and its related spellings and surnames have been found in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In the United States, Rens and its variants were primarily found to have arrived from Dutch settlements in Pennsylvania and New York.

In Germany, the variant Rentsch is the most common, followed by Rantzau. In Luxembourg, the most common form is the variant Rennau. In the Netherlands, typical spellings include Rennes, Renno, and Rennow.

The variants of the surname Rens often appear in many different forms and spellings, so there are plenty of possibilities to explore if one is trying to trace their origin.

Famous people with the name Rens

• Ineke Rens: Dutch actor, known for roles in films such as D'Ardennen (2015), 10 Millimeter (2016) and Brownian Movement (2010).
• Micky Rens: Dutch professional skateboarder who competes in the international circuit.
• Mathijs Rens: Dutch Paralympic swimmer who medalled at the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games in London.
• Thieu Rens: Dutch cyclist who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
• Fred Rens: Dutch football (soccer) player who competed in the 1978 World Cup and made sixty-six appearances for his country.
• Armand Rens: Dutch Formula One driver who competed in the 1954 Dutch Grand Prix and the 1955 International Trophy.
• Ludo Rens: Dutch cross-country skier who competed in several Olympic Winter Games from 1976 to 1988.
• Dolf Rens: Dutch ballet dancer and choreographer who founded the Dutch National Ballet in 1961.
• Bill Rens: American jazz saxophonist who has released several albums, including Change of Scene (1980) and The Music of Bill Rens (2005).
• Gordon Rens: American soccer coach and physical therapist who serves as head coach of the Marquette Golden Eagles men's soccer team.

Other surnames

RenadzkiRenardRenaudRenaudinRenauldRenaultRenautRenauxRenchRencheRencherRencheyRenchyRendellRendfreyReneauReneckeRenfreeRenfrewRenfreyRenfroRenfroeRenfrowRenftelRenftlRenftleRenftlenRenickRenickeRenicks