RANGER
Ranger
Ranger is a British surname with origins dating back to the medieval period. The surname is of occupational origin, derived from the Middle English word "raunger" or "raugner," meaning a keeper of the range or a forest officer. The term "ranger" was often used to refer to those responsible for overseeing and managing royal forests and hunting reserves.
History
The surname Ranger is believed to have been first used in England during the Middle Ages, when the role of a forest ranger was highly esteemed. Those bearing the surname would have been associated with duties such as protecting the king's game, overseeing timber resources, and maintaining order in forested areas.
Distribution
The surname Ranger is found primarily in England and has spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Over time, branches of the Ranger family have established themselves in various regions, contributing to the diversity of the surname's distribution.
Notable Individuals
1. Joseph Ranger (1765-1834): An English naturalist and botanist known for his contributions to the study of plant taxonomy. 2. Sarah Ranger (b. 1952): British author and historian specialising in medieval forest management and the role of rangers in English history.
Legacy
The surname Ranger continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a link to the historical occupation of managing forests and game reserves. Today, individuals with the surname Ranger can be found in various fields, reflecting the diverse paths taken by descendants of those who once held the title of ranger.
There are approximately 1,614 people named Ranger in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,027th most common surname in Britain. Around 25 in a million people in Britain are named Ranger.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Graham
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Anne
- Barbara
- Carol
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Louise
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Rachel
- Renu
- Susan
- Wendy
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.