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 has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States. Between 1980 and 2023, there have been a total of 262 babies named Beren, with the number of births varying from year to year.
In the early years recorded, the name was given to between five to seven newborns annually, with six births in 1980, five in 1981, and seven in both 1982 and 2003. However, starting around the mid-2000s, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Beren.
The year 2006 marked a significant turning point with twelve births, followed by sixteen in 2007. While there were some fluctuations in the following years, such as seven births in both 2009 and 2013, the trend of increased usage continued.
In recent years, the number of babies named Beren has risen even further. Since 2017, there have been more than twenty births each year, with peaks of twenty-two births in both 2017 and 2022, and twenty births in 2023. This indicates a growing preference for the name Beren among parents in the United States.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Beren has not been consistent throughout the years, it appears to be gaining traction in recent times. With 262 babies named Beren since 1980, it is clear that this name continues to hold some appeal for parents across different decades.