Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Wren

Wren is an English vocabulary word (a noun) defining a small, migratory songbird. The word comes from the Olde English “wrenna” (of uncertain origin). In Latin-based languages, however, the bird’s name is connected to the Latin “regulus” suggesting a creature synonymous with “royalty” in reference to the wren’s golden crest or yellow crown.  
 
In Old High German, the wren was also known as “kuningilin” (“kinglet”) in reference to an ancient Germanic folktale concerning a contest to determine the “king of birds.” The eagle, of course, was the frontrunner – the one bird able to outfly all other birds and the one able to climb the highest of altitudes. However, he was beaten by the cunning little wren who had cleverly hidden in his feathers!  
 
Here’s how Aristotle described the little wren in his 4th century BC Historia Animalium (History of Animals):  “The wren…is difficult of capture, keeps out of sight, is gentle of disposition, finds its food with ease, and is something of a mechanic. It goes by the nickname of 'old man' or 'king'; and the story goes that for this reason the eagle is at war with him.”  
 
The wren was also a highly significant creature to the ancient Celtic people (as were many animals to these nature-loving tribes). For one, there is almost no gender difference in behaviors (both male and female wrens care for their young). The wren is active, vibrant and fastidious – qualities the ancient Celts found appealing. They are cheerful, sociable and quick-witted little birds who sing their loud and beautifully complex little songs (sometimes in duet form).
 
For this flighty, migratory bird, “home is where the heart is.”  A true free-spirit.  As a female given name, Wren is a modern coinage and almost entirely isolated to the United States.

All About the Baby Name – Wren

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME WREN

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME WREN

 As a female given name, Wren only just appeared on America’s Top 1000 list in 2013.  There are not that many “bird” names in circulation – for instance Alondra (Spanish: lark), Avis (Latin: birdlike), Paloma (Spanish: dove), Raven and Robin are the only ones that come to mind. Wren is a lovely addition to this list. Still unique and underused (only 332 baby girls were named Wren in 2013), Wren is a lovely and lively name choice. It’s beautifully understated – yet loaded with positive symbolism. 

Quick Facts

ON WREN

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

807

PRONUNCIATION:

REN

SIMPLE MEANING:

Songbird

Characteristics

OF WREN

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Wren

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME WREN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Wren

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME WREN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Wren


Popular Songs

ON WREN

Hunting the Wren
a song by Heather Dale

The Wren Song
a song by The Clancy Children

The Wren
a song by Doomtree [Explicit]

Jenny Wren
a song by Paul McCartney

Famous People

NAMED WREN

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Wren.

Children of Famous People

NAMED WREN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Wren

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME WREN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Wren