Surname Ranson - Meaning and Origin

Ranson: What does the surname Ranson mean?

The surname Ranson is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from a baptismal name meaning 'son of Rand' or 'son of Rande'. The names Rand or Rande are shortened forms of various Old Germanic personal names like Randolph, which have the component "rand" or "rant" meaning 'rim (of a shield)', 'edge', or 'border'. Therefore, the surname Ranson could be interpreted as 'son of the one who lives at the edge or border'. It is also possible that Ranson has a patronymic origin, signifying 'son of Ran' or 'Ran's son', in which 'Ran' might have been a common individual's name during medieval times. Over centuries, there have been many variations in spelling this name, including Ranson, Ransson, Ranison, and others. Like most surnames, the exact origins can vary based on regions and lineage, and it was also shaped by various factors such as local dialects and illiteracy.

Ranson: Where does the name Ranson come from?

The last name Ranson is common primarily in areas of Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, as well as the United States and Canada. In the United Kingdom, the name is found mainly in Scotland, Northern England, and Wales. In the United States, the name is most common in the Mid-Atlantic states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, as well as the mountain states of West Virginia and Virginia. In Canada the surname is found in large concentrations in Ontario and Quebec.

The name itself derives from the Old French word "ranson" or "ransun" which means ransom. This is likely a reference to families of the medieval period who were able to pay a ransom to regain freedom throughout different regions.

Today, the Ranson name is associated with a long line of famous craft occupants such as noted savings bank founder George Ranson from the 19th century, Hollywood film director Rob Reiner, and the late British novelist and poet Thomas Ranson. Social media has also greatly helped to spread the name around the world.

It is clear that the last name Ranson is quite common and has a varied and influential history.

Variations of the surname Ranson

The surname Ranson has many different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant spellings of Ranson are Ransone, Ransonn, Ransoun, and Ransonne. The various several other variants of the surname Ranson include Ranchen, Rensan, Ranso, Riensen, Riotson, Randson, Renseon, Randsen, Randsyn, Rensyn, Renzen, and Rentson.

The surnames Ransome and Renshaw are thought to possibly be of the same origin as Ranson. It is reported that the ancestors of the Ransons may have derived their name from “Rannulf”, which can be translated to “Thor’s Wolf”.

The Americanized spellings of Ranson can be Ranseen, Rainzen, Rainesun, Ransawn, and Ransing. The nicknames of Ranson include Ranny, Ransey, Ronsie, and Ransee.

Since the surname Ranson originated in England, its variations appear largely in English records. There are many Ransons in Scotland, however, due to migration from England. There are Ransons in America as well, as a result of immigration from England in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In conclusion, there are many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Ranson. These include Ransone, Ransonn, Ransoun, and Ransonne as well as other variations including Ranchen, Rensan, Ranso, Riotson, Randson, and many others. The Americanized spellings of Ranson include Ranseen, Rainzen, Rainesun, Ransawn, and Ransing. Nicknames of Ranson include Ranny, Ransey, Ronsie, and Ransee.

Famous people with the name Ranson

• Henry Ranson: British sprint canoeist who won a bronze medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
• Danielle Ranson: lifelong athlete and champion powerlifter.
• Joshua Ranson: British actor best known for his roles in films such as 'The Proverb of the Year' and 'The Nightingale'.
• Craig Ranson: American professional basketball player.
• Augustin Ranson: French painter and etcher known for his works depicting scenes from his time in Paris.
• Harry Ranson: American hall of fame golfer who was a member of the PGA of America and the PGA Tour.
• Walter Ranson: English landscape painter in the 19th century noted for his evocative works of rural life.
• Edward Ranson: Canadian artist best known for his watercolour paintings and wood engravings.
• Lise Ranson: French sculptor known for her distinctive ceramic works.
• Jonathan Ranson: English actor best known for his roles in television series such as Torchwood and Doctor Who.

Other surnames

RansomRansome