Find out how popular the first name Wren has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wren by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Wren is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 86% of people named Wren being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,537 female babies and 222 male babies born with the name Wren.

The history of the first name Wren

The name Wren has its origins in Old English, derived from the word "wrenna," which means a small songbird of the same name. This name's history can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period in England, around the 5th to 11th centuries AD.

In the early days, the name was likely used as a nickname or a surname for someone who was associated with the small brown bird or perhaps had a resemblance to its lively and energetic nature. Over time, it transitioned into a given name, particularly for girls.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Wren can be found in the famous Domesday Book, a manuscript record of a great survey commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. It lists an individual named "Wrenna" as a landowner in Lincolnshire, England.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Wren. One of the most famous was Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), the renowned English architect who played a significant role in rebuilding London after the Great Fire of 1666. His most iconic work is St. Paul's Cathedral, which still stands as a landmark in London.

Another notable figure was Wren Bunting Nevin (1836-1935), an American painter and author known for her illustrations in children's books and her works depicting scenes from the American Civil War.

In literature, the name Wren appears in the novel "The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton, where one of the characters is named Wren Gersen. The character's name is a nod to the small, lively bird.

During the Tudor period, there was a woman named Wren Hoskyns (c. 1508-1558), who was the mistress of King Henry VIII and the mother of one of his illegitimate children.

Another historical figure with the name Wren was Wren Brent (1943-2003), an American actress known for her roles in television shows like "The Waltons" and "Little House on the Prairie."

While the name Wren has its roots in Old English and was initially used as a surname or nickname, it has evolved into a charming and unique given name, particularly for girls, carrying with it the imagery of a lively and free-spirited songbird.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Wren was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wren, please contact us.

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