Origin and Meaning of Ransom

Rescue from captivity or payment for deliverance

Origin: English - Derived from the Old French 'ranson' which means 'redemption'. It ultimately stems from the Latin 'redemptio', meaning 'buying back'.

• Ransom initially began as an English surname before it became popular as a first name.
• In historical contexts, the term 'ransom' often referred to the money paid for the release of a prisoner or captive.
• Notable bearers of the name include Ransom Eli Olds, an American automotive pioneer known for founding the Oldsmobile brand.
• While Ransom is not among the most popular names, it has seen fluctuations in usage, experiencing a revival in recent decades.
• Related names and variations include Ransome and Ransom's French equivalent, 'Ranson'.