René

René is a masculine given name of French origin. It derives from the Latin Renatus, meaning "reborn" or "rebirth." The name has been widely used in Francophone countries and across Europe, and it has entered other languages through cultural contact. In French it is typically pronounced approximately reh-NAY, with the final vowel marked by an accent; in English contexts it may appear as Rene without the accent. The feminine form in French is Renée, and other languages have related forms such as Renato in Italian and Renato in Portuguese.

Usage and variations: The name has a long history in public life, spanning philosophy, art, science, and politics. It has been borne by many notable people across centuries, and remains common in French-speaking regions today. The spelling and diacritical marks reflect language and culture, with Renée serving as the standard feminine variant in French, while other languages adapt the name to their own phonology.

Notable bearers: Notable people named René include the philosopher René Descartes; the Belgian surrealist René Magritte; the French tennis player and fashion designer René Lacoste; the French mathematician René Thom; the Quebec politician René Lévesque; the French poet René Char; American actor René Auberjonois; and American actress Rene Russo.