Rendall is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name 'Reinnvaldr', which consists of the elements 'reinr' meaning 'counsel' and 'valdr' meaning 'rule'. The name was brought to Scotland by Viking settlers during the medieval period and has been established there since at least the 13th century. It is also found in other parts of Britain, particularly in England and Ireland.
The surname Rendall may have originated from a place called Rendall in Orkney, an archipelago north of mainland Scotland. This village was named after its original Norse settlers and is still inhabited today. However, the name can also be traced back to several other locations in Scotland, such as Renfrewshire and Aberdeenshire, suggesting that there may have been multiple families with this surname throughout history.
Historical records provide evidence of the Rendall family's prominence in Scotland over centuries. In the 16th century, a Robert Rendall served as a burgess (a citizen with rights to participate in civic government) of Edinburgh. During the 17th and 18th centuries, members of the Rendall clan were involved in various professions, including law, medicine, and education.
Today, the surname Rendall is still found primarily in Scotland but has also spread to other parts of the world through immigration. It remains a rare yet distinct Scottish surname with a rich historical legacy.
"Rendall saw a consistent pattern of around five births per year over the course of three decades, with slight peaks in 1953 and 1979."