Why is it called the Renaissance?

The Name Renaissance means ‘Rebirth’ in French. It got the name as it symbolised the beginning of a new era of art, rebirthing the classical models of Ancient Greek and Roman periods while using modern techniques.

The Renaissance was a period of great discovery. The North American continents were discovered and explored. Other events included the substitution of the Copernican for the Ptolemaic system of astronomy, the decline of the feudal system and the growth of commerce, and the invention or application of such potentially powerful innovations as paper, printing, the mariner’s compass, and gunpowder. 

For further reading check the following articles:

• The Renaissance
• Age of Enlightenment.
• French Revolution