A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ransom since 1880
Babies named Ransom per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2022, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ransom's real moment was 1890.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 115 |
| 1890s | 114 |
| 1900s | 100 |
| 1910s | 376 |
| 1920s | 423 |
| 1930s | 312 |
| 1940s | 312 |
| 1950s | 274 |
| 1960s | 200 |
| 1970s | 147 |
| 1980s | 217 |
| 1990s | 310 |
| 2000s | 455 |
| 2010s | 885 |
| 2020s | 619 |
Meaning & origin
Ransom is a surname-derived given name that has experienced a notable revival. First recorded in the United States in 1880, it reached its peak in 1890 and then declined. However, since 1991, it has been on the rise again, reflecting a modern preference for occupational and surname names. In 2025, its rank is 1688, with a frequency of about 1 in 17609 male births. The name has historically been most common in southern states such as Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Its etymology traces back to a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Rand', with the Old Norse element 'rand' meaning 'shield', giving the name a strong, protective connotation.
Ransom originated as an English surname, a patronymic meaning 'son of Rand'. The Old Norse element 'rand' means 'shield' or 'rim of a shield'. As a given name, it was used primarily in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the southern states. Its use has seen a revival since the 1990s, reflecting a broader trend of adopting surname names as first names.
Where Ransom is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ranny, Rance
Variants: Ransome
Sibling names for Ransom
Names that share Ransom's style, for a brother or sister.
