RAINBOW
Rainbow is a surname that, while English in origin, remains uncommon throughout the United Kingdom.
The earliest explanation for the name arises from the Old-english word renboga, which translates literally as “rainbow.” The surname is thought to have emerged as a nickname for a person whose character was described as colourful or vibrant, or for an artisan – such as a painter – who had some association with the natural phenomenon of a rainbow.
An alternative derivation links Rainbow to the Old-French personal name Rainbaut, meaning “bold‑counsel.” According to surviving records, this name entered the language of England with the followers of William I after the Norman Invasion of 1066. It was first recorded in Latinised form as Raimbaldus in both the Winton Rolls of Hampshire and the Domesday Book in 1086.
From the twelfth century onward the name became fixed as a family surname, appearing in its literal form for the first time in the thirteenth century. Over the centuries it has been recorded under a number of variants, including Raybould, Bambaut, Ramble, Rammell, Rimbault, Renbold and finally Rainbow.
A notable bearer of the name is Stephen Rainbow, who held the office of Sheriff of Norwich in 1527. The surname also appears among Huguenot refugees, such as Paul Rainbau, who was christened at the prominent French Church on Threadneedle Street, London, on 12 April 1719.
One of the earliest documented instances of the family name is that of William Reimbaud, dated 1214, found in the Pipe Rolls of Middlesex during the reign of King John (1199‑1216).
In contemporary times the surname Rainbow is still predominantly found within the British Isles and does not appear in large numbers outside of the United Kingdom.
Typical given names associated with the Rainbow surname
Male
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Anne
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Julie
- June
- Linda
- Louise
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Stephanie
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Rainbow in...
Braille
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Morse
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There are approximately 2,660 people named Rainbow in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,351st most common surname in Britain. Around 41 in a million people in Britain are named Rainbow.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
