Rankin is an uncommon yet distinguished given name of Scottish origin, derived from the family name Ran kin, which means "seafarers." The name has a strong, energetic sound and conveys a sense of vigor and ambition. It was initially used as a surname before being adopted as a first name in some cases. Rankin is not associated with any specific saint or historical figure, making it unique and distinctive among given names. In literature, the most notable reference to the name Rankin can be found in Sir Walter Scott's novel "The Lady of the Lake," where a character named Douglas MacGregor Rankine plays a significant role. However, despite its intriguing origins and literary associations, the name Rankin remains relatively rare and may offer an opportunity for parents seeking an uncommon yet appealing name for their child.
The name Rankin experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century. While there were periods of moderate to high usage, such as between 1915 and 1927 with consistently high numbers ranging from 8 to 12 births per year, it seems the name was less popular in other times like during the mid-30s to late-40s where births were scarce or even non-existent for some years. Post-WWII saw a slight resurgence until the 50s and 60s when popularity waned again. Recent data shows some inconsistency with peaks at certain years, but overall, Rankin is not currently among the most popular names.