The name Renee is a French feminine form of the male name René, derived from the Germanic name Reinald, which is composed of the elements "ragin" meaning "counsel" and "wald" meaning "rule". It is believed to have originated in the 8th century.

The name René has its roots in the Late Latin name Renatus, meaning "reborn" or "born again". It was brought into widespread use by early Christians as a name for converts to the faith. The feminine form Renee emerged in the Middle Ages, particularly in France and other areas influenced by French culture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Renee is found in the 12th century, referring to Renee of Anjou (1109–1153), a French noblewoman and Countess of Grignon. Another early bearer of the name was Renee of France (1510–1574), the daughter of King Louis XII of France and Anne of Brittany.

Renee was a popular name among European royalty and nobility during the Renaissance period. Notable examples include Renée of Ferrara (1510–1558), a French princess who became Duchess of Ferrara, and Renee of Lorraine (1544–1602), a French princess who was the granddaughter of King Francis I of France.

In the 17th century, the name Renee was borne by Renée Élisabeth de Brinon (1630–1706), a French educator and founder of the Society of the Blessed Sacrament. Another prominent figure was Renée Descartes (1615–1668), the daughter of the famous philosopher René Descartes.

During the 18th century, the name Renee was carried by Renée-Élisabeth Marlier (1714–1786), a French painter and engraver, and Renée-Agathe de Rancourt (1755–1794), a French actress and playwright.

In the 19th century, Renee became a more widely used name, especially in France and the United States. Notable bearers of the name from this period include Renée Adorée (1898–1933), a French-American actress, and Renée Vivien (1877–1909), a British-French writer and poet.