Ransom

The surname Ransom is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "raensune," meaning "redemption" or "ransom." This suggests that it may have originally been an occupational name for someone who collected ransoms, or a nickname for a person who had been ransomed.

The Ransom surname is chiefly found in England, particularly in the southern counties. The name has ancient roots, dating back to the early medieval period. Variants of the surname include Ransome and Raunsom.

Notable bearers of the surname Ransom include Thomas Ransom (1814–1864), an American Civil War Union general, and Judith Ransom, a renowned British journalist in the 20th century.

The Ransom name has left its mark on various aspects of British society, and it continues to be passed down through generations as a reminder of its historical significance.

There are approximately 2,495 people named Ransom in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,517th most common surname in Britain. Around 38 in a million people in Britain are named Ransom.

Surname type: From name of parent

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • Daniel
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • William

Female

  • Amanda
  • Angela
  • Claire
  • Deborah
  • Janet
  • Joan
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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