This unusual name is a variant form of the surname more commonly found as 'Reynold'. The origin of the name is German, from the male origin given name 'Reginald', composed of the elements 'ragin', counsel, and 'wald', rule. The introduction of the name into England is slightly complex, in that it is known to have been brought to England first by Scandinavian invaders in the Old Norse form 'Rognvaldr', adopted from the Germanic form, and was later reintroduced by the Normans in the Old French forms 'Reinald' and 'Reynaud'. The Norman forms of the name were the most influential in generating the range of modern English surnames from this source, which are Reynold(s), Reynald(s), Reynell, Renaud, Renaut, Renals, Rennell, Wren(n)all, and Rennoll. The surname development, in London, includes Rennalls (1598), Renalls (1601), and Reynell (1655). One Elizabeth Wrennall was christened at St. Luke's Chelsea, in London, on the 12th January 1605. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Reynaud, which was dated 1272, Documents from Hornchurch Priory, Essex, during the reign of King Edward 1, 'The Hammer of the Scots', 1272-1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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