This long-established surname is of early medieval English and Scottish origin, and was developed from the medieval male given name "Rankin", a diminutive form of the given name "Rand(e)", with the hypocoristic suffix "-kin". Rand itself is a short form of any of the various (originally) Germanic compound personal names with the first element "rand" (shield) rim, such as Randolf, with the second element "wolf", wolf. The diminutive form of the name is first recorded in Scotland, where Rankin de Fowlartoun is mentioned in Charters of the Royal Borough of Ayr in 1429.
Early examples of the surname include: Reginald Ranekyn (1296, Sussex); Ralph Rankin (1301, Yorkshire); John Randekyn (1381, Suffolk); and in Scotland, John Rankyne, burgess of Glasgow in 1456. The surname has a long history in Scotland; it was found early in Ayrshire, where persons of the name were "small proprietors" before the end of the 16th Century. One John Rankin was vicar of Girwane in 1504, and another John Rankin was vicar of Girwane in 1504, and another John Rankin was a tenant under the bishop of Aberdeen in 1511. The christening of Jon(athan), son of Paull Rankin, was recorded at the Church of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen, on May 12th 1657. The Coat of Arms granted to a Rankin family depicts three red boars' heads couped between three red battleaxes on a silver shield, and in the centre a green quatrefoil. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Gilbert Reynkyn, which was dated 1273, in the "Hundred Rolls of Kent", during the reign of King Edward 1, known as "The Hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307.
The history of the surname rankin is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of rankin. Research into the possible origins of rankin leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of rankin.
It is common for surnames like rankin to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that rankin has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where rankin is most abundant are the following.
The historical journey of the surname rankin can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of rankin. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named rankin are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname rankin.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname rankin, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of rankin could be modified.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all rankins who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname rankin, even though not all have been documented to our present day. If you or someone you know bears the surname rankin, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname rankin. The bibliography collects information related to the surname rankin, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of rankin.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of rankin, and at the same time, of surnames in general.