Renata is a female given name of Italian origin. It is derived from the Latin word "renatus," which means "born again" or "reborn." This name has a rich history and cultural significance in Italy, particularly among Catholics.
The name Renata first appeared during the Middle Ages in Italy. It was initially used as a feminine form of the male name Renato, which also shares the same Latin origin. However, it was not until the 16th century that Renata began to be widely used as an independent female given name.
One notable figure associated with this name is Renata di Lorenzo de' Medici (1517-1542), a member of the famous Medici family and the wife of Cosimo I, Duke of Florence. Her marriage helped to solidify the power and influence of the Medici family in Italy during that time.
In addition to its Italian roots, the name Renata has also been adopted by other cultures throughout history. For instance, it was used among Polish nobility during the 16th century, where it was spelled as "Rennata." Today, variations of this name can be found across Europe and even beyond.
Overall, Renata is a unique and elegant female given name with deep historical roots in Italy. Its meaning, "born again," adds to its symbolic significance, making it an attractive choice for parents looking for a meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Renata experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the course of its recorded history. In the early 20th century, it had modest beginnings with fewer than 10 births per year. However, by the late 1950s, its popularity surged dramatically, reaching a peak of 76 births in 1956 and maintaining high numbers thereafter.
The most striking aspect is the sudden jump from 229 births in 1979 to 720 births in 1980, indicating a substantial increase in the name's usage during that time. This trend continued throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, with Renata remaining one of the more popular names.
However, starting from the mid-1990s, its popularity began to wane, with a noticeable decline in births per year. Despite this decrease, it remained relatively consistent until 2011 when there was another significant spike in popularity, reaching 362 births that year. Since then, Renata has maintained consistent popularity, with over 500 births each year up to the most recent data from 2023.
Overall, while Renata's popularity has varied throughout history, it is clear that this name has had periods of significant usage, particularly in the late 20th century and early 21st century.