Ransom

Ransom - A very unique male name

Ransom appeared on the charts for the first time in 1912 on position #876. In this article you'll learn the history of this name, statistics, see famous people named Ransom and more.
Are you having a baby or looking to learn more about the name Ransom? Our experts and editorial staff have gathered trends and insights for 30,000+ baby names over the last 100 years -- And on this page you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the name Ransom. The baby boy name Ransom was given to 36 baby boys in 2025, ranking #1963 on the national boy baby name top chart.


With that position 1 in 40,730 baby boys were given this name - making this a very unique male name according to our Popularity Score algorithm. Ransom peaked in popularity 114 years ago in 1912 on position 876.

Famous with this name

How would you rate Ransom, 1-5?

Ransom is currently topping the charts in...

Did you know that popularity can vary a lot between states? Ransom is currently topping the baby name charts in Kentucky at position #788 - and is the least popular in California at position #2,163.

Why care about state specific baby name charts? It could be that a name that is very popular on the national overall charts is less (or even more) popular where you live. So make sure you check out the state specific charts below and find out how popular or unique Ransom is where you live.

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Ransom origin and meaning

English word / surname

A transferred surname, originally a nickname-type surname 'son of Rand' (Rand + son), coinciding with the English word ransom

Ransom has existed as a surname and occasional given name since the 19th century — the novelist Ransom Riggs is a contemporary example. The surname is usually explained as 'son of Rand', though the identical English word (payment for release) dominates what people hear. US given-name use is tiny and intermittent, peaking in 2023; the word's meaning is the association parents must weigh.

Origin uncertain

Ransom is a 6 letter name with 2 syllables.

To see famous people named Ransom, pop culture references for the name Ransom and nicknames & variations - visit Nameberry or Wikipedia.

Similar to Ransom

We've found the following names that sound similar to Ransom, sorted by popularity.

Ronson / Ryanjames / Ramsen /

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Name statistics

Most parents-to-be know if they want a popular or unique name, and with these charts and data tables you can easily get a better understanding of how popular or unique this name is.

With a quick glance you can easily tell if this name is increasing or declining in popularity - But note that its current popularity can actually differ a lot from state to state.

Chart position per year (visualized)

Chart position per state (visualized)

Chart position per year (table view)

Chart position per state (table view)

Even more about Ransom

These are some of the common questions you may want to have answered to know if this is the perfect name for your baby.

Is Ransom a common or unique name?

By analyzing the number of births and frequency of this name we've determined that it's currently a very unique male name.

What is the number of syllables for the name Ransom?

2 syllables. Why is this important? One of the things that makes a baby name sound good and have a nice rythm is the number of syllables - and especially the number of syllables along with the syllable count for your last name. A simple rule is to avoid having the same number of syllables in your first, middle and last name.

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Pronunciation

RAN-sum · /ˈrænsəm/

Around the world

No traditional forms in other languages — this name was created in America in our own time.

Spellings and nicknames

• Ransome — A variant surname spelling

Famous bearers

• Ransom Riggs — Author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (b. 1979) Contemporary

Style

SurnameWord name

Why parents choose it

Parents choose Ransom for a rugged, old-surname sound with a daring edge.

Worth knowing

• The word means payment to free a captive — a heavy, kidnapping-adjacent association many will raise first.