RYLANDS
Rylands
Origin and Meaning
Rylands is a British surname of English origin. The name is derived from the Old English word "ryge," meaning rye, and "land," referring to land, giving the surname the meaning of "rye land." It likely originated as a topographic name for someone living on or near land where rye was grown.
Distribution and History
The surname Rylands has been found predominantly in the North West of England, particularly in areas such as Lancashire and Cheshire. The name has historical links to the textile industry in the region, notably through the prominent Rylands family in Manchester, who were renowned cotton manufacturers in the 19th century.
Notable Individuals
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John Rylands (1801–1888): A prominent Manchester businessman and philanthropist, John Rylands founded The University of Manchester and the John Rylands Library, one of the earliest public libraries in the UK.
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Thomas Glazebrook Rylands (1818–1904): A member of the Rylands family, Thomas was a British naturalist and archaeologist who made significant contributions to the study of both fields.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the Rylands surname include Ryland and Rylander. Over time, the spelling of the surname may have evolved, leading to different variations of the name.
In Popular Culture
The Rylands surname has not been widely depicted in popular culture. However, the historical significance of the Rylands family in the industrial and cultural development of Manchester has been recognised in various historical works and documentaries.
There are approximately 567 people named Rylands in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Rylands.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- Christopher
- John
- Mark
- Martin
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
- Timothy
- William
Female
- Alison
- Amanda
- Clair
- Claire
- Emma
- Jacqueline
- Joan
- Julie
- Margaret
- Michelle
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.