Unisex name · Japanese
Ren
“lotus”
Vibes
Explore Ren further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Ren — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Ren is Japanese — most commonly the kanji 蓮, "lotus," the flower of enlightenment, or 恋, "love" — one of Japan's top boy names for years and a rising unisex export.
Ren holds growing American use — three letters carrying a whole pond of Buddhist symbolism.
One clear syllable. It pairs well with fuller middles (Ren Alexander, Ren Evangeline). On our vibe map it is Modern Minimalist at maximum compression with Cultural Fusion kanji and Nature-Inspired roots in still water.
More Japanese names
Ren sits in our Japanese set — these share its roots.
All Japanese names →Ren — common questions
Is Ren a boy or girl name?
Ren is a unisex name — it is given to boys and girls alike, and we list it that way (Japanese origin).
What does the name Ren mean?
Ren means “lotus” of Japanese origin. Ren is Japanese — most commonly the kanji 蓮, "lotus," the flower of enlightenment, or 恋, "love" — one of Japan's top boy names for years and a rising unisex export.
Where does the name Ren come from?
Ren is Japanese in origin. Ren holds growing American use — three letters carrying a whole pond of Buddhist symbolism.
How popular is Ren?
Ren did not make the top 1,000 boys' or girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Ren you might want for the nursery.