The name Beren is of German origin and means "strong as a bear". It is a variant of the name Bernhard, which is composed of the Old German elements bern meaning "bear" and hard meaning "strong, brave". The name Beren is also associated with the mythical figure Beren son of Beorn from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings", but it is not clear whether this character influenced the use of the name or if it was simply a coincidence.
Beren has been used as a given name in Germany for centuries, but it is less common than Bernhard and other similar names such as Bernard and Barton. It is more often found as a surname, particularly in Germany and the United Kingdom.
In terms of popularity, Beren is not a very common name. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only 5 boys were named Beren in 2019, making it one of the least popular names that year. It is also not particularly common in other countries such as Germany or England and Wales.
In summary, Beren is a German name with a strong meaning, but it is relatively uncommon and has not been influenced by any particular cultural or historical figure. Its use as a given name appears to have declined over time, although it may still be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and powerful meaning.
The name Beren experienced fluctuations in popularity over time, with a significant increase in recent years. Between 1980 and 2002, the annual number of births ranged from 5 to 9, with no clear trend. However, starting in 2003, there was a notable rise in popularity, peaking at 22 births in both 2017 and 2022, and reaching an all-time high of 22 births in 2023. Overall, there were a total of 262 babies named Beren between 1980 and 2023.