Renommé

Renommé is a French adjective meaning “renowned” or “famous.” The term stems from the verb renommer, which translates literally as “to rename” or “to call by a different name.” In French usage, renommé is applied to people, works, or places that have earned a distinguished reputation, especially in artistic, scientific, or public life. The word occupies a slightly formal register and is often used in literary or journalistic contexts. For example, a film might be described as “un film renommé” to highlight its critical acclaim.

In addition to its adjectival function, renommé occasionally appears as a surname. The surname derives from the same French root and was historically given as an epithet to someone known for a particular skill or status. While the name appears in French genealogical records, it is relatively uncommon and does not correspond to any large, internationally known family line. In recent decades, a handful of individuals with the surname have been noted in regional media, primarily in France and French‑speaking areas of Canada, where they have held local civic positions or contributed to the arts.

The word is cognate with the English adjective “renowned,” which shares the Latin root renomen, meaning “name.” Both terms serve to denote an elevated reputation that has persisted over time. In modern French, synonyms include célèbre, célèbre, et notable. The term is also used metaphorically in expressions such as “une réputation renommée,” referring to a well‑established reputation.