Rene

We often hear about how the masculine René is pronounced just like the feminine Renee, and is therefore often mistaken as a girl’s name. Well, so what? Don’t worry, René is a bonafide male name and very French. The French don’t have the same gender-confused fears we Americans do, so maybe this isn’t a name for everyone. But we find it unique and refreshing. René’s usage actually dates back to 1881 in the United States and experienced respectable usage throughout the 20th century. His best years on the charts were mainly during the 1960s during which time René was often on the Top 100 lists in the states of Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire and Vermont. In reference to the first two states mentioned, René was being used among Spanish-speakers. For the latter two states, which happen to border French-speaking Quebec, René’s influence was primarily French. René is a “cosmopolitan” name reserved for the distinctive parent not threatened by his “female” pronunciation. René is a name with class and confidence.