The authors agree that the surname probably derives from a variation of the Greek name Rhendes, attributed to phenomena of dialect phonetics and possible errors in manuscript transcription. F. Miranda specifies that the original bearer of that name remains unknown. Both authors also note the possibility of a toponymic origin, with references to localities such as the contrada Renna in the Brindisi, Ragusa and Syracuse areas, and the Selva Renna in the Avellino area.

E. Rossoni adds other reference place names: Renna di Casal di Principe, in the Caserta area, and Renna in the Cosenza area. Rossoni further documents the transformation into a surname in the 16th century, with the architect Antonio Renna, who in 1524 directed the construction of the castle of Caprarica in Tricase, Lecce area.

As to the geographic distribution, the authors agree that the surname is proper to Campania, Apulia and Sicily. Miranda adds that it is diffused also in other regions of Italy. Within Sicily, its presence stands out in areas linked to Palermo, Trapani, Agrigento, Messina, Caltanissetta, Ragusa, Syracuse and Enna.