Rankin Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Rankin come from? What does the surname Rankin mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Rankin and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Rankin Origin: What does the last name Rankin mean?
The surname Rankin has Scottish and English origins, stemming from the medieval personal name Rankin, which is a diminutive of Ronald or Rand, combined with the diminutive suffix kin. The name was brought to Ireland through the Plantation of Ulster and has historical records dating back to the early 16th century in Scotland, United Kingdom.
According to YourRoots data, the Rankin surname has a strong presence in both the United States and the United Kingdom, with records indicating a significant increase in the surname's frequency in the United States by the 18th century. This suggests a shift in the prevalence and distribution of the Rankin name over time, showcasing its enduring legacy across different regions and cultures.
Rankin Last Name History: Where did the last name Rankin come from?
Origin of Rankin Surname: Where does the last name Rankin originate from?
Based on the available data from YourRoots, the surname Rankin first made its appearance in the historical records from Scotland, United Kingdom, around the early 16th century. This pertains only to the exact spelling of "Rankin" within the YourRoots records and does not account for other potential sources or variations of this surname.
History of the Last Name Rankin: What does the Rankin surname history look like in the early days?
The "Rankin" surname was primarily associated with Scotland, United Kingdom, from the 16th through to the 17th century. However, YourRoots data indicates that by the 18th century, the frequency of Rankin family records had started growing in the United States, suggesting a shift in the surname's prevalence and distribution over time.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Rankin surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of Rankin surname records had grown significantly in the United States, eventually surpassing those in the United Kingdom by the 19th century. This trend appears to have continued through the 20th century, indicating a substantial presence of the Rankin surname in the United States. While the Rankin surname remains prominent in the United States and the United Kingdom, it has likely spread to other regions globally, reflecting the interconnectedness of our modern world.
Explore Rankin last name heritage and Rankin surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Rankin Surame?
Richard Rankin
Richard Rankin (January 4, 1983 - ) is a Scottish actor known for his roles in popular TV series like "Outlander" and "Rebus". Starting his career in Scottish television, Rankin gained recognition for his versatile acting skills. He has portrayed various characters in crime dramas, historical series, and thrillers, showcasing his talent in different genres. With a growing fan base and critical acclaim, Rankin continues to impress audiences with his performances on both the small and big screens.
Jeannette Rankin
Jeannette Pickering Rankin (June 11, 1880 – May 18, 1973) was an American politician and women's rights advocate. She was the first woman to hold federal office in the United States, elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Montana in 1916 and again in 1940. Rankin was a lifelong pacifist, opposing U.S. military intervention in both world wars. She championed women's suffrage, helping pass the 19th Constitutional Amendment granting women the right to vote. Rankin also co-founded the American Civil Liberties Union and fought for diverse women's rights causes. Her impact on history and advocacy for equality resonate to this day.
Gayle Rankin
Gayle Emmanuelle Rankin is a Scottish actress known for her roles in popular TV series like GLOW and Perry Mason. Born in Paisley, Rankin trained at the Juilliard School in New York City and made her acting debut in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. She has appeared in films like The Greatest Showman and Her Smell, showcasing her versatile talent. With a Tony Award nomination for her role in Cabaret, Rankin continues to impress both on screen and on stage.
Claire Rankin
Claire Marie Rankin is a Canadian actress known for her roles in Shakespearean plays and various television shows. She has appeared in over 50 films and TV series, including guest spots on popular shows like The Mentalist and House. Rankin also starred in independent films and TV movies such as Molly's Game and Seven in Heaven. Her stage credits include classical roles with the Stratford Shakespearean Festival and lead roles in musicals like Les Misérables. She is recognized for her recurring roles in Stargate Atlantis and Forever Knight. Rankin originated the role of Cynthia Murphy in the first International Production of Dear Evan Hansen and continued on the show's North American tour.
Matthew Rankin
Matthew Rankin is a Canadian experimental filmmaker known for his unique and acclaimed works. His feature-length debut, "The Twentieth Century," received multiple Canadian Screen Awards nominations and wins in 2019. His second feature film, "Universal Language," premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2024 and was selected as the Canadian entry for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Rankin has also received recognition for his short films, including "Mynarski Death Plummet" and "The Tesla World Light." With a background in history and occasional acting roles, Rankin continues to make waves in the film industry with his creative storytelling.
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