Ren
Unisex nameJapanese
✨ Meaning
Ren is a Japanese name most often written with the character for lotus, the flower that grows out of muddy water and opens clean above it, an image of purity through difficulty in both Buddhist and secular thought. Another common character means love or affection, and a third means to link or connect, so the name's meaning depends entirely on which is chosen.
🌍 Origin
Ren has been among the most popular boys' names in Japan in recent years, part of a general shift toward very short names of one or two syllables. It also exists independently in Chinese, where the character for benevolence is read ren and names one of the central virtues in Confucian ethics. In English-speaking countries the name is still rare.
⭐ Famous People Named Ren
- Ren Hang
- Ren Osugi
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ren mean in Japanese?
Most often 'lotus,' though other characters give 'love' or 'to connect.' The meaning depends on the kanji chosen.
Is Ren a boy's or a girl's name?
It is used for both in Japan, though it has been especially popular for boys in recent years.
Does Ren mean something in Chinese?
A character read ren in Chinese means benevolence and names one of the central virtues in Confucian thought.