The name Ransoom reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is based on 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 Ransoom family
The surname Ransoom 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 Ransoom family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ransoom research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ransoom History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Ransoom Spelling Variations
The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Ransoom has been recorded under many different variations, including Ransom, Ransome, Ranson and others.
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Early Notables of the Ransoom family
More information is included under the topic Early Ransoom Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Ransoom family
To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Ransooms were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: 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
