Surname Ranker - Meaning and Origin
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Ranker: What does the surname Ranker mean?
The last name Ranker is thought to have originated in the area of Germany known as Frankenland, otherwise known as Franconia. It is believed to be an occupational name that relates to the word ‘ranke’ which meant a pole carrying a shield. The name could also mean ‘ranker’ or ‘standard bearer’, indicating someone who held a military office.
It is possible the name was adopted in its German form prior to the family's arrival in America, or that it evolved following immigration. Regardless, the Ranker name is still very much associated with Franconia. Those with the Ranker surname tend to be from a family of German descent, with connections in the areas of Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ohio, Missouri and Illinois.
Ranker family members often demonstrate a strong sense of tradition and are devoted to their families, both biological and extended. Those with the Ranker name may be social and outgoing, although some prefer staying close to family and familiar locales.
The Ranker name is certainly still connected to its German roots and continues to grow and thrive throughout the generations. Those with this name will always have a sense of belonging to a family of individuals who share a remarkable history and roots that span continents.
Order DNA origin analysisRanker: Where does the name Ranker come from?
The surname Ranker is most common today in Germany, with the highest concentration of people with that name found in North Rhine-Westphalia, Rheinland-Palatinate, Berlin, and Hamburg. This name is very rare outside of Germany, though a few individuals can be found in Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Ranker is a habitational name, derived from several places called Rank in Germany. These places bear names that come from the Old German word, “hrank,” meaning “clearing;” the names of the locations can also come from the German word “ranke,” meaning “brave.” Thus, the name Ranker can be interpreted as “brave one from the clearing.” According to records, the first people who adopted the Ranker surname lived at least 400 years ago in the Palatinate region of Germany.
The Ranker surname was also found in the presence of Jewish people in Germany, where it was used as a sign of Jewish ancestry. The name was anglicized to Rankin after many Jewish families immigrated to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Rankin spelling is found more often outside of Germany than Ranker.
Variations of the surname Ranker
Ranker is an occupational surname of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German "rankere," which means "bondman" or "farmer." In its various forms, the name is found throughout Europe, as well as in North America.
The most common variant of Ranker is the English spelling of Rankin. Other variants found in the English language include Rancke, Rancker, Rancker, Rankin, Rankin, Rankine, Ranking, Rankine, and Rankin.
The German spelling of Ranker is Ranke. Other variant spellings found in the German language includes Rancka, Rancker, Rancke, Ranka, Rankl, Ranker, Ranker, Rankers, Rankes, and Rauner.
Ranker is also found in a variety of other languages throughout the world. In Denmark, the name is spelled Ranager or Rankere, while in Slovakia it is spelled Ranker. In Sweden, Ranker is spelled Ranke or Rancka, while in Holland it is spelled Rancoer.
In Scotland, Ranker is more commonly spelled as Rankin - and the surname has been found in Scotland since at least the 15th century. Other Scottish variations of Rankin include Ranken, Rankine, and Rankines.
In Wales, Ranker is commonly spelled Rancier or Rancor while in Ireland it is usually spelled Rankin, Rankine, or Rankines.
In the United States, Ranke is the most common variant spelling. Other U.S. variants of Ranker include Rankey, Rank, Ranka, Ranker, Ranck, Rankin, Rankine, Rancke, Rancker, Rancor, and Ranser.
In Canada, the surname can be found in its original German spelling, as well as in a variety of other spellings such as Rankin, Rankine, and Rankins.
Famous people with the name Ranker
- Karl Ranker (1861-1937), German artist.
- Lawrence Ranker (1921-2003), American physicist.
- Jan Ranker (born 1945), Latvian architect.
- John Ranker (born 1972), American politician.
- Ana Ranker (born 1975), Spanish Chef.
- Jeremiah Ranker (born 1975), American photographer.
- Abigail Ranker (born 1976), American Doctor.
- Fletcher Ranker (1909-2007), American farmer.
- Alexander Ranker (born 1990), American actor.
- Megan Ranker (born 1993), American Singer.
- Kevin Ranker (born 1973), American Marine Biologist.
- Nic Ranker (born 2003), British actor.
- Benjamin Ranker (born 1986), Australian Musician.
- Claire Ranker (born 1988), Canadian Politician.
- Lucas Ranker (born 1998), American Professional Basketball Player.
- Joy Ranker (born 1979), British Entrepreneur.
- Aidan Ranker (born 1989), Irish Writer.
- William Ranker (born 1973), Scottish Artist.
- Sam Ranker (born 1994), American Professional Golfer.
- Nora Ranker (born 1977), French Interior Designer.