Ransom
Ransom is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Deliverance, redemption, or warrior's shield.
Origin and history
Ransom originated as an English surname derived from the vocabulary word meaning 'redemption' or 'payment for freedom', which ultimately traces back to Latin. Historically rooted in Christian theological concepts of deliverance, it transitioned into use as a masculine given name. In the United States, it remains a distinctive choice that has seen a modest surge in popularity in recent years.
Popularity in the United States
4,859 babies in the United States have been named Ransom since 1880. It ranks #1754 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1334.
States where it is most popular
- TX (28.3 %)
- NC (26.1 %)
- CA (9.7 %)
- TN (6.3 %)
- SC (4.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 115 |
| 1890-1900 | 114 |
| 1900-1910 | 100 |
| 1910-1920 | 376 |
| 1920-1930 | 423 |
| 1930-1940 | 312 |
| 1940-1950 | 312 |
| 1950-1960 | 274 |
| 1960-1970 | 200 |
| 1970-1980 | 147 |
| 1980-1990 | 217 |
| 1990-2000 | 310 |
| 2000-2010 | 455 |
| 2010-2019 | 885 |
| 2020-2029 | 619 |
Famous people named Ransom
- Ransom E. Olds: automotive pioneer, industrialist
- Ransom Riggs: author, filmmaker
Fun facts
- The word ransom entered Middle English via Old French and Latin (redemptio), closely tying its meaning to spiritual redemption.
- Renowned author C.S. Lewis used Elwin Ransom as the central protagonist in his famous Space Trilogy novels.