Rennie

Origin and Meaning

Rennie is a surname of Scottish origin, deriving from the personal name "Ren", a diminutive of the old Gaelic name "Fionnghuin", meaning "white, fair". The name is believed to have originated from the ancestral lands of Rennie in the parish of Monikie, Angus, Scotland.

Historical Significance

The surname Rennie has a rich history dating back centuries. One notable figure associated with the name is John Rennie (1761 –1821), a renowned Scottish civil engineer who made significant contributions to the field of engineering, particularly in the construction of canals, bridges, and harbours during the Industrial Revolution in Britain.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Rennie is predominantly found in Scotland and England, with concentrations in areas such as Angus, Fife, and Edinburgh. Over the years, the name has spread to various English-speaking countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United States, as a result of migration and emigration.

Famous Bearers

  • John Rennie (1761-1821): Scottish civil engineer known for his innovative designs of bridges, canals, and docks.
  • Robert Rennie (b. 1980): Scottish actor and singer, best known for his roles in theatre productions.

Variants

Variants of the surname Rennie include Renney and Renny.

There are approximately 10,642 people named Rennie in the UK. That makes it the 866th most common surname in Britain. Around 163 in a million people in Britain are named Rennie.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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