Family History and Genealogy Resources by Surname
Rankin Surname Origin
This name may be derived from the Danish Rank, right, upright, erect. If the name is Gaelic, it would come from Roinn, a promontory, share, or division, and Ceann, head; the head of the promontory, a name of place. Ranken, in the Dutch, signifies pranks, tricks.
Source: An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names With an Essay on their Derivation and Import; Arthur, William, M.A.; New York, NY: Sheldon, Blake, Bleeker & CO., 1857.
Rankin Surname Meaning and Family Facts
Rankin Last Name Meaning
Search the FREE Ancestry.com Name Dictionary.
There is more to Rankin family history than the origin of your surname:
Start your Genealogy to find your personal Rankin family ancestry. It's easy to get started. Just begin your family tree with what you already know. Learn More.
A Rankin Family History Thought:
'People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors.' --Edmund Burke