Surname Runshaw - Meaning and Origin

Runshaw: What does the surname Runshaw mean?

The surname Runshaw is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is classified as a habitation name – it originates from a place name where an original bearer once lived or held land. This particular surname is associated with a region in the Lancashire County of England, specifically a township named Runshaw in the parish of Euxton.

In terms of linguistic origins, the name Runshaw is believed to be derived from two Old English words: “rinnan” or “ryne,” which means to "run," and “sceaga,” which translates to a "wood" or "copse." Thus, the combined meaning could be "a wood with a running stream" or "running woods," possibly describing the geographical features of the area.

As is common with old English surnames, there may be variations in the spelling such as Runsha, Renshaw, Ranshaw, etc. Over time, descendants of the original bearers of the name Runshaw might have migrated from Lancashire to other parts of England and eventually to other countries, causing the surname to spread.

Runshaw: Where does the name Runshaw come from?

The last name Runshaw is most commonly found in England today, where it has origins dating back to medieval times. According to records compiled by the Great Britain Biographies Project, the Runshaw family can trace its lineage back to Lancashire in northern England.

The Runshaw family made a name for themselves in the medal trade. In the early 19th century, a member of the family, Henry Runshaw, established a business in Manchester manufacturing medals and awards using his own patented process. Henry and his four sons ran the business for more than a century, and the firm received royal commissions for work from Queen Victoria. The company closed in 1968, but the Runshire name remains strong in the region to this day.

Runshaw is still a fairly common surname in the North West of England. In Manchester alone there are nearly 300 people with the surname, and it is also found in the surrounding areas of Lancashire, West Yorkshire, Cheshire and Merseyside. Runshaw is also a popular name in the United States, where many of the family’s descendants have migrated over the years.

Variations of the surname Runshaw

The surname Runshaw is an English patronymic surname derived from the Old Norse name Ranulfr. It is found almost exclusively in Lancashire, England. Variations of this surname include Ronshaw, Runshall, Roose, Rouce, and Runce.

Spellings of the surname Runshaw have also evolved over time. Early records show the spelling as Runshea, Runshee, Runsha, Runshay, and Runshoe. Later records vary in spelling from Runshoe to Ronce, Runce, Rounce, and Rhounus.

Including variants of the same origin, the surname Runshaw is also found to be commonly spelled Ranshaw, Renshaw, Raneshaw, Romshew, Romshee, and Romshey. Other variants and spellings of the same origin include Rainshay, Rhunneshaw, Renshea, Ronshay, and Ranonshay.

Sometimes, people assigned this surname may have changed it to different spellings and variants over time. For example, in some cases, the name Runshaw may have evolved into Runsey, or the more contemporary spelling of Runs.

Surnames of the same origin for the Runshaw surname also include Runtshaw, Runghshaw, Raunce, and Roanshaw. Each may have originated from the Old Norse name Ranulfr.

Finally, Runshaw is sometimes spelled Rhonus, Rouns, and Rowns. While people with these surnames may have had ancestors with similar surnames, they do not usually originate from the same name.

Famous people with the name Runshaw

• Tim Runshaw, former co-Chief Executive Officer at Johnson & Johnson
• David Runshaw, British academic, professor of design management at Lancaster University
• Dan Runshaw, British-Canadian left-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball
• Stephen Runshaw, Chairman of the Board at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
• Andrew Runshaw, English singer-songwriter
• John Runshaw, British Labour Party politician, Member of Parliament for Wigan since 2017
• Jody Runshaw, former NASCAR driver
• Kristin Runshaw, stage and screen actress
• Steven Runshaw, British business executive, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of British Airways
• Meg Runshaw, American figure skater who competed in the 1973 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

Other surnames

RunsheRunsherRunshiman