RANKIN
Rankin
Rankin is a prominent Scottish and Northern Irish surname of Celtic origin. The name is believed to be derived from the Old Irish surname "O'Raghailligh," meaning "son of Raghailligh." It is thought to have originated from the Gaelic word "raghalach," meaning "regal" or "noble."
The surname Rankin is commonly found across Scotland, especially in the Highlands and the Western Isles, where it has ancient roots. The name also spread to Northern Ireland, most notably in counties Antrim and Londonderry.
Over the centuries, bearers of the surname Rankin have played significant roles in various fields, including politics, academia, literature, and the arts. Notably, there have been notable figures with the surname Rankin in the military as well.
Today, the surname Rankin continues to be widespread, both in the British Isles and in countries with significant Scottish and Irish diasporas, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Variants of the surname, such as Rankine and Ranken, are also in use.
The Rankin surname carries a sense of pride and heritage for many families, reflecting a long and distinguished history of the clan. It remains a testament to the enduring influence of Celtic culture and the resilience of the Scottish and Irish people worldwide.
There are approximately 9,274 people named Rankin in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,016th most common surname in Britain. Around 142 in a million people in Britain are named Rankin.
Surname type: Diminutive
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Paul
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Alison
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jean
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan