Holding steady, #10,695 for boys today.
Popularity of Ranson since 1914
Babies named Ranson per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2003, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ranson's real moment was 1914.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 28 |
| 1920s | 25 |
| 1930s | 27 |
| 1940s | 30 |
| 1950s | 10 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 25 |
| 1980s | 48 |
| 1990s | 55 |
| 2000s | 62 |
| 2010s | 30 |
| 2020s | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Ranson is a rare American given name derived from an English surname, itself a patronymic meaning 'son of Ran.' The name first appears in U.S. records in 1914, which also happens to be its peak year of usage. In 2025, the most recent year available, it ranked 10,695th with approximately 1 in 284,679 births, indicating a stable trajectory over the past century. While it has never been common, its quiet consistency gives it an understated, traditional feel. Ranson has not been associated with any top states or famous bearers, making it an unassuming choice that appeals to parents seeking a surname-style name with genuine historical roots.
Ranson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Ran,' where Ran is a medieval diminutive of names such as Randolph or Ranulf. As a given name, it emerged in the early 20th century, likely transferred from the surname. It has never been widely used, with its peak recorded in 1914.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ranny, Sonny
Variants: Ransen, Ransan
Sibling names for Ranson
Names that share Ranson's style, for a brother or sister.
