Rankin is a unique and distinctive male given name of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Gaelic word "Rathcina," which translates to "stranger" or "foreigner." This name was initially used to denote someone who had migrated from another place, especially if they were of noble descent.
The surname Rankin, however, has a slightly different history. It originated as a patronymic name, meaning it was derived from the father's given name. In this case, Rankin is likely derived from the Old Norse personal name "Hrinkn," which means "powerful" or "mighty."
Rankin as a given name gained popularity in Scotland during the Middle Ages but was not widely used elsewhere until much later. It is still relatively rare today, but it has been embraced by some notable individuals throughout history.
One of the most famous Rankins is Scottish-born American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (born Frank Lincoln Wright), who changed his middle name to Rankin at age 14. Another notable figure is Rankin Frink, a character from the popular television show "The Simpsons," named after the designer Rankin/Bass.
Despite its unique sound and interesting history, there are no significant holidays or traditions associated with the name Rankin. It stands on its own as a striking name with Scottish roots that carries a touch of historical significance.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Rankin has seen a fluctuating number of births in the United States over the past century, with periods of increased popularity and others where it was less commonly chosen.
From 1912 to 1927, there were several years with more than five births per year, reaching a peak of 12 births in 1916. However, from 1928 to 1940, the number of annual Rankin births decreased significantly, with fewer than six births each year.
The name saw a slight resurgence in popularity between 1945 and 1952, with more than five births per year during this period. However, it again declined in popularity throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with only a handful of births each year.
In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, Rankin birth numbers remained relatively consistent, with around five to eight births per year. The most recent data shows that there were six births in both 2020 and 2021, indicating that the name continues to be chosen by some parents today.
Overall, while Rankin has not been one of the most popular baby names in the United States over the past century, it has maintained a consistent presence with around 330 total births recorded since 1912. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues or changes in future years.