How Many People Are Named Rankin?
Complete statistics for the name Rankin: rarity score, gender breakdown, age distribution, historical popularity, worldwide data, meaning and origin.
Rankin is a surname-turned-first-name with Scottish roots, carrying a meaning tied to "little shield" or "son of Randolph." There are only about 139 people living in the US with this name today, which means roughly 1 in 2,373,264 Americans share it. It's a name that peaked way back in 1916, and the average bearer is around 75 years old.
📖 Meaning & Origin
Life-path number 4 represents stability, hard work, and building strong foundations. It's associated with practical thinking, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility toward family and community.
🌍 Worldwide Usage
⚥ Gender Distribution
📊 Births by Age Group
Avg Cohort Age: 75All 340 recorded US births for this name, grouped by the age those individuals would be today. Not adjusted for survival, so the number living today is lower (see the living estimate above).
📈 Popularity Over Time
Peak: 1916Annual US births from SSA records · Trend: Rising
🏆 Name Scorecard
Scores 0–100 based on statistical analysis of US and worldwide name frequency
📜 Rankin Through the Generations
Rankin tells a fascinating generational story that's heavily weighted toward the past. With only 340 total births ever recorded in the US, this name has always been exceedingly rare. Its peak came in 1916, when 12 babies received the name, a modest high point that reflects its old-school character. Today, a striking 258 of the estimated 139 living bearers fall into the over-60 category, representing 76% of all people named Rankin. That leaves just 17 in the 30-to-60 range and 65 under 30. The average age of 75 confirms this isn't a name you'll hear on many playgrounds. What's interesting, though, is that data shows a rising trend, suggesting a quiet resurgence may be underway. Globally, about 1,157 people carry this name, earning it a world rank of #233,698. It wouldn't be surprising to see Rankin gain traction as parents look for distinctive, heritage-rich choices that feel both rugged and refined. This name carries a timeless quality that could appeal to a new generation.
🌿 Related Names by Origin
Other names sharing Rankin's Scottish roots
📄 About the Name Rankin
How Many People Have the Name Rankin?
Based on Social Security Administration birth records and age-adjusted survival modeling, approximately 27,295 people in the United States currently share the name Rankin. That works out to roughly 1 in every 12,143 Americans, placing it in the Rare category.
Is Rankin a Common or Rare Name?
Rankin is classified as Rare. The rarity scale runs from Very Common (shared by millions) through Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Very Rare. Understanding where a name sits helps parents gauge uniqueness, genealogists narrow down records, and individuals settle debates about their own name's distinctiveness.
What Does the Name Rankin Mean?
Rankin means "Little shield, son of Randolph" and comes from Scottish origins. The name carries a life-path numerology number of 4.
Gender Breakdown
Of all recorded bearers of Rankin in SSA data, approximately 100% are male and 0% are female.
When Was Rankin Most Popular?
The name Rankin reached peak popularity in 1916, with 12 babies registered that year. Current trend: Rising.
How Is This Data Calculated?
All figures are statistical estimates, not exact government headcounts. The underlying data comes from the SSA National Baby Names dataset. Full methodology is explained on the methodology page.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are named Rankin?
Approximately 27,295 people named Rankin live in the United States today. All-time US births on record total 27,295. That works out to roughly 1 in 12,143 Americans.
Is Rankin a rare name?
Rankin is classified as Rare in the United States. Approximately 1 in every 12,143 Americans has this name.
What does the name Rankin mean?
Rankin means "Little shield, son of Randolph" and comes from Scottish origins.
Is Rankin more male or female?
Based on SSA records, 100% of people named Rankin are male and 0% are female.
When was Rankin most popular?
Rankin peaked in 1916 with 12 births that year. Current trend: Rising.
How accurate are these statistics?
All figures are statistical estimates based on SSA birth records and age-adjusted modeling. See the methodology page for full details.