Ranney Surname

The History of the Surname Ranney

The surname Ranney is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English personal name 'Hraefn' meaning raven. The surname Ranney is classified as a habitational surname, meaning that it was originally derived from the name of the place where the original bearer lived or owned land. In this case, the surname Ranney likely originated from a place named after ravens, such as Raven's Hill or Raven's Wood.

Early Origins of the Surname Ranney

The surname Ranney first appears in historical records in England during the 11th century. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname is that of Godwin Raven, who is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. This book was a survey of England and Wales ordered by William the Conqueror to assess the wealth and possessions of the population following the Norman Conquest.

The surname Ranney spread to other countries through migration and emigration, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. As a result, variations of the surname Ranney can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, India, Spain, Brazil, and many others.

Variant Spellings of the Surname Ranney

Over the centuries, the surname Ranney has undergone various changes in spelling due to factors such as regional dialects, illiteracy, and clerical errors. Some common variant spellings of the surname Ranney include Ranny, Rannee, Rannay, and Raney. These variations can be found in historical documents, census records, and other genealogical sources.

Popularity and Distribution of the Surname Ranney

According to data from various sources, the surname Ranney is most commonly found in the United States, with a total incidence of 3,722 individuals bearing this surname. This is followed by Canada with 104 individuals, India with 9 individuals, and Spain with 8 individuals. Other countries with smaller incidences of the surname Ranney include Brazil, England, Mexico, Australia, Sweden, Germany, and others.

Within the United States, the surname Ranney is most prevalent in states such as New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont. This suggests that the surname Ranney may have originated in one of these regions and spread to other parts of the country through migration and settlement.

Famous Individuals with the Surname Ranney

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Ranney who have made significant contributions to various fields. One such individual is John Ranney, an American soldier who served in the Civil War and later became a prominent politician. Another is Mary Ranney, a renowned artist known for her realistic portraits and landscapes.

Overall, the surname Ranney has a rich history and continues to be a part of many families' genealogies around the world. The variations in spelling, the distribution of the surname, and the notable individuals associated with it all contribute to its unique and diverse legacy.

The surname Ranney within the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it can be done to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same takes place when it comes to Ranney, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname that may be present in a lot of the nations associated with the world. In the same manner you will find countries by which truly the density of men and women with the surname Ranney is higher than far away.

The map for the Ranney surname

1. United States (3722)
2. Canada (104)
3. India (9)
4. Spain (8)
5. Brazil (5)
6. England (4)
7. Mexico (4)
8. Australia (3)
9. Sweden (3)
10. Germany (2)
11. United Arab Emirates (1)
12. Bermuda (1)
13. China (1)
14. Czech Republic (1)
15. Dominican Republic (1)
16. Liberia (1)
17. Malaysia (1)
18. Norway (1)
19. Philippines (1)
20. British Virgin Islands (1)
21. South Africa (1)