Renette is of French origin, derived from the word 'renette', which means 'little kidney' or 'small gourd'. It was originally a nickname given to someone who resembled a small round vegetable, perhaps due to their appearance or mannerisms. The name first appeared in France during the Middle Ages and gained some popularity there, although it remains relatively rare today. In French-speaking regions, Renette may have been used as a female form of René, a name derived from the Latin 'Renaldo', meaning 'wise' or 'counsel'. However, Renette is typically considered a gender-neutral name, with its usage not exclusively tied to any specific meaning or derivation.
"The name Renette seems to have been quite popular during the mid-20th century, with a significant increase in its usage from the late 1950s to the early 1960s. However, it appears to have declined in popularity thereafter, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded from 1970 onwards."