Rainey

Surname Origin: Scottish, Northern Irish

Meaning: Derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Raghnaill", meaning "son of Raghnall".

History: The surname Rainey has its origins in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where it is believed to be derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Raghnaill", meaning "son of Raghnall". The name Raghnall itself is a Gaelic form of the Old Norse name Rognvaldr, composed of the elements "regin" meaning "advice" or "decision", and "valdr" meaning "ruler". The name was introduced to Scotland and Ireland by the Norse settlers and Vikings who arrived in the region.

The Rainey surname is commonly found in Northern Ireland, particularly in the counties of Londonderry and Antrim, where many families with this name can trace their ancestry back for generations. Over the years, the name has spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond as individuals with the surname Rainey have migrated and settled in various countries.

Famous Bearers:

  • Maureen Helen Rainey, British politician
  • Eleanor Rainey, British artist
  • Patrick Rainey, Northern Irish footballer

Variants: Variants of the Rainey surname include Raine, Rannay, and Rainy.

References:

  • Reaney, Percival H. (1997) A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 2,132 people named Rainey in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,977th most common surname in Britain. Around 33 in a million people in Britain are named Rainey.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Jean
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Norma
  • Patricia
  • Pauline
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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