Ransom is an unusual and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "ransome," which means "money paid to redeem someone held captive or guilty." The name Ransom has a strong and powerful sound to it, reflecting its original meaning.
The use of Ransom as a given name is relatively rare, but it has been used throughout history. One notable example is Ransom Olds, the American automobile pioneer who founded the Oldsmobile Company in 1897. Despite its rarity, Ransom remains an attractive and unique choice for parents looking for an unusual name with a strong meaning.
The name Ransom has no specific association with any particular day or holiday, nor are there any well-known historical figures named Ransom that might influence its popularity or perception. Instead, the name stands on its own merits as a powerful and distinctive option for a given name.
In terms of cultural significance, Ransom is not associated with any particular region or ethnicity. It has been used by families from diverse backgrounds throughout American history, reflecting its inclusive nature as a unisex name. While it may not be as popular as some other names, those who choose Ransom for their child are often drawn to its unique sound and powerful meaning.
Overall, Ransom is an uncommon but attractive given name with a strong and meaningful origin. Its rarity makes it a distinctive choice for parents looking for something different from the usual list of baby names, while its powerful meaning adds depth and significance to the name. Whether used as a first or middle name, Ransom is sure to make a memorable impression on those who hear it.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Ransom in the United States from 1880 to 2023, we can observe several trends over time.
In the late 19th century, the number of births with the name Ransom fluctuated between a low of 5 births in 1880 and a high of 16 births in 1882 and again in 1890. This suggests that the name was not particularly popular during this time but did have some occurrences.
The early 20th century saw a slight increase in popularity for the name Ransom, with the number of births reaching as high as 30 in 1912 and peaking at 61 births in 1915. However, this popularity was short-lived, as the number of births declined throughout the remainder of the decade.
The middle of the century saw a significant decrease in the use of the name Ransom, with fewer than 30 births recorded per year from 1927 to 1949. This period also included some of the lowest numbers of births with this name, such as 5 births in 1958 and only 10 births in 1970.
Beginning in the late 1970s, there was a gradual increase in the popularity of the name Ransom. By the mid-1980s, the number of births with this name had reached 20 or more per year, and this trend continued throughout the remainder of the century and into the early 21st century.
The most recent data shows that the name Ransom has seen a significant resurgence in popularity in recent years. From 2005 to 2023, there were at least 50 births with this name each year, with peaks of 110 births in 2016 and 111 births in 2022. This suggests that the name Ransom is currently experiencing a notable comeback.
In total, from 1880 to 2023, there were 4,658 births with the name Ransom recorded in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of this name has fluctuated over time, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout history.