Ransam is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Ransam comes from the Anglo-Norman given name Randolph. The name also derives from the Old English word randim, meaning riverbank, and indicates that the original bearer of the name live near such a geographic feature.
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Early Origins of the Ransam family
The surname Ransam was first found in Suffolk where the name was derived from a place named Ransham, "though I find no place so called." 1 With regard to the more contemporary meaning of the word ransom, and continuing from this source, the author sites Mr. Ferguson "what curious changes, the whirligig of time brings round. We take our money to the descendant of the old sea-robber to take care of for us - Ramson & Co., bankers, Pal Mall. " 1
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Early History of the Ransam family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ransam research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ransam History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Ransam Spelling Variations
A multitude of spelling variations characterize Norman surnames. Many variations occurred because Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England also had a pronounced effect, as did the court languages of Latin and French. Therefore, one person was often referred to by several different spellings in a single lifetime. The various spellings include Ransom, Ransome, Ranson and others.
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Early Notables of the Ransam family
More information is included under the topic Early Ransam Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Ransam family
Many English families left England, to avoid the chaos of their homeland and migrated to the many British colonies abroad. Although the conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and some travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute, once in the colonies, many of the families prospered and made valuable contributions to the cultures of what would become the United States and Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America has revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Ransam or a variant listed above: Robert Ranson, who came to Virginia in 1635; Jonas Ranson settled in New York in 1659; James Ransome settled in Virginia in 1682; Elizabeth Ransom, who arrived in Virginia in 1768 with her husband.
England
