Wren

♂ Boy

Pronounced REN /rɛn/High

Meaning: The wren; from Old English wrenna (the small brown songbird, Troglodytes troglodytes)High

In 30 seconds: A one-syllable nature name from the wren — the tiny, fiercely energetic songbird whose troglodyte Latin name means 'cave dweller.' One of Britain's most beloved birds, celebrated in folk tradition as the King of Birds.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighEnglish

MeaningThe wren; from Old English wrenna (the small brown songbird, Troglodytes troglodytes)

U.S. rank (2024)#1025 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births217 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,063

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Wren is the English name for the bird Troglodytes troglodytes, from Old English wrenna. The wren's legendary status as 'King of Birds' comes from European folk tradition: in a contest to see who could fly highest, the wren won by hiding on the eagle's back and jumping off at the peak.

Wren has been rising for both boys and girls since the 2010s. For boys it ranked #1025 in 2024.

Did you know? Sir Christopher Wren (1632–1723), the architect who rebuilt London after the Great Fire of 1666, bears this bird's name as a surname — giving Wren both a medieval folk-tradition character and one of architecture's greatest geniuses.

Overall data confidence 96%

Behind the Name — Wren — Old English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

—

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Wren…

Finn— one-syllable Celtic nature name with the same crisp, spirited character

Reed— one-syllable plant name with the same nature-adjacent minimalism

Rowan— nature tree name with the same British countryside feel

Briar— nature plant name with the same wild, Old English character

Ash— one-syllable tree name in the same British nature-name tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Wren mean?

Wren means 'the wren,' the small but fierce Old English songbird (Troglodytes troglodytes), celebrated in folk tradition as the King of Birds.

How do you pronounce Wren?

It's said REN — one syllable. The W is silent.

Is Wren a boy or girl name?

Wren is used for both sexes.

How popular is Wren?

Wren ranked #1025 for U.S. boys in 2024.