Summary

The surname RANSOM has its origins in England and is derived from the Old Norse name 'Randulfr', meaning 'shield wolf'. It is believed to have been introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The RANSOM surname has a rich history and is often associated with stories of bravery and military prowess.
There are
16871
Ransoms in the USA
Ransom is the
2150th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Ransom

JohnCrowe

John Crowe Ransom was an American poet, essayist, teacher, and editor. He was a leading figure of the Southern Agrarian movement and co-founded The Fugitive literary magazine.

JohnLackland

John Lackland, also known as John Ransom, was the King of England from 1199 until his death. He is best known for signing the Magna Carta in 1215.

ElizabethRansom

Elizabeth Ransom was a British author and philanthropist. She established the Ransom Foundation, which supports various charitable causes.

DanielRansom

Daniel Ransom was an American politician who served as the Governor of Michigan from 1863 to 1865. He played a key role in the state's efforts during the Civil War.

LucyRansom

Lucy Ransom was an American suffragist and women's rights activist. She was instrumental in the fight for women's right to vote and worked alongside prominent suffragists.

WilliamRansom

William Ransom was an English botanist and physician. He conducted extensive research on medicinal plants and made significant contributions to the field of herbal medicine.

MaryRansom

Mary Ransom was an American journalist and writer. She wrote for various newspapers and magazines, covering a wide range of topics including politics and social issues.

ThomasRansom

Thomas Ransom was a Union general during the American Civil War. He commanded a division in several major battles and was known for his tactical skills.

SarahRansom

Sarah Ransom was an African-American activist and community leader. She played a significant role in promoting racial equality and social justice in her local community.

HenryRansom

Henry Ransom was an English explorer and adventurer. He embarked on several expeditions to remote regions and discovered new territories.

Ransom Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Ransom' is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word 'ransoun,' which means 'ransom' or 'redemption.' It likely originated as a nickname for someone who acted as a ransom or who was ransomed.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Ransom' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in states with English colonial heritage, such as Virginia and Massachusetts. It is also present in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom and Canada.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Ransom' include 'Ransome' and 'Ransum.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Ransom' likely migrated to the United States during periods of English colonization and settlement. Some may have also immigrated from the United Kingdom and Canada.