Holding steady.
Popularity of Ransome since 1915
Babies named Ransome per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 24 |
| 1920s | 34 |
| 1930s | 34 |
| 1940s | 15 |
| 1950s | 17 |
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Ransome is a rare given name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1915. It reached its highest usage in 1934, its peak year, yet never entered the top 1,000 rankings. The name has remained stable but extremely uncommon, with a one-in-N figure unavailable due to its rarity. Ransome draws on the English surname tradition, sharing a root with the word 'ransom,' and is primarily associated with boys. Its lack of recent revivals and absence from top states suggest it has never broken into the mainstream, remaining a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with historical roots and a strong, somewhat stern sound.
Ransome is a transferred use of the English surname Ransom, which itself derives from the Old French word 'rançon' (ransom, redemption). The surname was often given to a person who collected ransoms for captives or perhaps as a nickname. As a given name, Ransome saw modest use in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, though it has never been common.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ranny
Variants: Ransom
Sibling names for Ransome
Names that share Ransome's style, for a brother or sister.
