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Ransom

“Possibly from 'ransom' (redemption money) or patronym 'Ranulf's son'” — English (surname; word or patronymic origin)

Boy's name · #1688 in the US (2025) · Vintage

Ransom has appeared in US records since 1880 — best rank #453 (1882) · 4,859 babies named Ransom all-time · 1 in 17,000 boys born in 2025.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 8 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Famous Ransoms

• Ransom Riggs — American writer and filmmaker
• Ransom E. Olds — American businessman (1864–1950)
• Ransom W. Dunham — American politician (1838–1896)
• Ransom Wilson — American flutist and conductor
• Ransom H. Gillet — American politician (1800–1876)

What Ransoms become

Among 34 notable people named Ransom:

Political leaders appear 2.48× more often than among typical names — e.g. Ransom W. Dunham, American politician (1838–1896).

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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