Renata

The current popularity of Renata in Mexico is most likely influencing the name’s usage north of the border here in the U.S. Renata is one of those name in America that just hasn’t been able to stick to the charts long enough to gain a following. The name appeared a few times on the U.S. charts during the 20th century – once in 1964, again in the late 70s/early 80s and finally again in 2011. You’ll notice the huge, sudden usage of Renata around 1980 – this was a direct result of Woody Allen’s dramatic film “Interiors” (1978) in which Diane Keaton’s character is named Renata (certainly Allen chose this character name for its “rebirth” meaning). Although frenzied interest in the name Renata would be brief and the name once again retreated to the shadows. Renata is currently a Top 10 favorite girl’s name in Mexico so certainly this is helping her cause in the U.S. It’s a name mainly used among Hispanic-Americans and, given the name’s etymology, perhaps religiously conscious ones at that (in honor of Christ’s resurrection). Even Renee has fallen from popular usage among English speakers in more recent years. Renata is one of those names that work well on small children but transitions nicely into adulthood. It’s cute, it’s different and it’s underused (at least in the U.S.). Renata could also be an original name choice for a springtime baby (when all plant life is reborn), or for “born-again” Christian parents.