Wren

/REN/

Wren is an English baby name pronounced /REN/. The name refers to a small, brown songbird known for its loud and melodic voice.

Meaning of Wren

The name refers to a small, brown songbird known for its loud and melodic voice.

Derived from the Old English word 'wrenna,' the name has roots in Germanic languages. Historically, the wren was considered the 'King of Birds' in European folklore and was associated with the winter solstice and St. Stephen's Day. It transition from a surname and nickname to a popular nature-inspired given name in the 21st century.

Origin
English
Pronunciation
/REN/

Cultural background

Wren is currently a trendy choice in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, fitting the modern preference for short, botanical, and avian names.

Variations & nicknames

  • Wrenna
  • Wrenley
  • Wrenn
  • Ren
  • Renn

Famous people named Wren

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Wren T. Brown

    American actor and producer known for his voice work and theater contributions

    Film · Contemporary

  • Wren Kingston

    A fictional character from the popular book and television series Pretty Little Liars

    Literature · 2010s

  • Wren Blair

    Canadian ice hockey coach and manager in the NHL

    Sport · 20th Century

Frequently asked about Wren

Is Wren a gender-neutral name?
Yes, while it has become increasingly popular for girls in recent years, it is used for all genders.
What is the symbolism of the wren bird?
The wren often symbolizes vibration, activity, and cleverness, and was historically known as the 'druid bird' in Celtic mythology.
Is Wren a common name?
Wren has seen a significant rise in popularity since 2010, frequently appearing in top baby name lists in North America.

Love Wren? Get more names like it

We'll email you 5 fresh English names each week — free, no spam.

Compare Wren with…

Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.

More English names

See all English names