The name Ren has its origins in the Chinese language, and it dates back to ancient times. It is a single-character name that can be written using different Chinese characters, each with its own meaning and nuance.

One of the most common Chinese characters used to write the name Ren is 仁, which means "benevolence," "humanity," or "virtue." This character is deeply rooted in the Confucian philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of cultivating moral virtues and living in harmony with others.

The name Ren can also be written using the character 人, which means "person" or "human being." This character is a fundamental component of many Chinese names and reflects the significance of the individual within the larger context of society and humanity.

In ancient Chinese literature and historical records, the name Ren appears in various contexts. For instance, the philosopher Ren Xiao (孔穎達, 574-648 CE) was a renowned scholar and commentator on the Confucian classics during the Tang Dynasty.

Ren Zong (任宗, 1032-1097 CE), also known as Ren Zongmi, was a influential Buddhist monk and philosopher who synthesized the teachings of various Buddhist schools during the Song Dynasty.

Another notable figure in Chinese history was Ren Renfa (任人伐, 1254-1327 CE), a military strategist and advisor to the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan during the Yuan Dynasty.

In Japanese culture, the name Ren (蓮 or 恋) can also be found, with meanings such as "lotus" or "love." One famous bearer of this name was Ren Zhiqian (蓮池潜, 1608-1677 CE), a Zen Buddhist monk and calligrapher who lived during the Edo period.

Beyond the Asian context, the name Ren has also been used in other cultures, albeit less commonly. For example, in Scandinavian mythology, Ren is the name of a Norse sea goddess associated with fertility and prosperity.