Renette is a French feminine given name derived from the Latin word "renna," meaning a small fern or plant. The name has its roots in ancient Gaul, the region of Western Europe that encompassed modern-day France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and parts of neighboring countries. It emerged as a name during the Middle Ages, around the 5th to 10th centuries.

The earliest recorded use of the name Renette can be traced back to the 12th century in France. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Renette de Chartres, a noblewoman from the city of Chartres, who lived during the late 12th century. Renette was also the name of a character in a 13th-century French fable, "Renart the Fox," which was part of the Roman de Renart collection of folk tales.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Renette. One such figure was Renette de Nanterre (c. 1395-1469), a French religious figure who founded the Order of the Haudriettes in Paris. Another was Renette de Valcour (c. 1510-1580), a French courtier and lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine de' Medici.

In the realm of literature, Renette de Saint-Gelais (1487-1546) was a French poet and member of the Poetic Circle of Marguerite de Navarre. Renette Bourgeois (c. 1640-1705) was a French artist known for her still-life paintings. Renette de Maupassant (1846-1925), the sister of the renowned French writer Guy de Maupassant, was also a writer and literary figure in her own right.

While the name Renette was primarily used in France and neighboring regions, it also gained some popularity in other parts of Europe over the centuries. However, its usage has been relatively limited compared to other French names, and it has remained a somewhat uncommon name throughout history.