Surname Runyan - Meaning and Origin
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Discovering Runyan: A Deep Dive into My Surname’s Origin and History Through iGENEA's DNA Test
In an attempt to understand my lineage, I underwent a DNA test with iGENEA. The accuracy and precision in the process astounded me, revealing detail about my surname Runyan, its origin, and migration pathway. The test unveiled the Celtic connections, variations of the name, and its deep-rooted historical context.
G. Runyan
read moreRunyan: What does the surname Runyan mean?
Runyan is a surname with French origins and is derived from the Old French personal name "Reynier", composed of the Germanic elements "ragin", meaning counsel, and "hari, heri", meaning army. Over time, the spelling changed due to phonetic variations and became "Runyan". This name made its way to England after the Norman conquest in 1066 and eventually to America with early settlers. Notably, it is a very prominent surname in America. Thus, the last name Runyan can signify a person who gives counsel to the army, or a wise and strategic warrior, highlighting the qualities of leadership, wisdom, and strength. However, it's important to remember that the original meanings of surnames often have less relevance today, having become more a familial or historical identifier.
Order DNA origin analysisRunyan: Where does the name Runyan come from?
The last name Runyan is quite common in the United States today, particularly in the Midwest. Pennsylvania is the state with the highest concentration of individuals with this surname, but it is also found in other states such as New York, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.
Runyan is derived from the Germanic language and is believed to have been an occupational name to indicate a person who was a commander of a military unit, typically in the cavalry.
Runyan is believed to have first originated as a habitational name for someone from Runa in northern Germany or from Croonen near Osnabrueck, Lower Saxony. Runyan families likely came to the United States in the 1700s and 1800s.
The greatest concentration of Runyan households still exists in the Upper Midwest, though the surname is also found in all parts of the United States. People with this surname can also be found in Europe in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The surname Runyan is quite common in the United States and likely originated in Germany. Other parts of Europe, including Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, also have pockets of people with this name. Although this name is commonly associated with the Upper Midwest, people with the last name Runyan can now be found in all states and regions of the United States.
Variations of the surname Runyan
The surname Runyan is a toponymic surname derived from the name of the town of Runyon, located in the English county East Sussex. It is also derived from a variant of surnames including Runion, Roney, Runion, Roonan, Ronan and Runyon. The surname Runyon is an English name that was spelled variously as Runion, Ronan, Runan, Runian, Runright, Rounan, Ronyon, Runyan, and Runyon.
In Ireland, the surname Runyan is derived from the old Irish name types O’Rooney, O'Ruanain, O'Ronain, O'Ronan, O’Runain, O'Runan, O'Runnion, and O'Runyon. These surname variants are generally found in Connacht and Munster where the name derived from the Irish coinneal, which translates to “little seal”.
In Scotland, the surname Runyan can be found as Runnion, Runyon, Runnian, Runney, Ronan, Runny, and Roonan. In Wales, the surname Runyan is derived as Roney and Runian, while in Germany it is found as Runien, Ronyon, Runyn, and Runyon. This surname can also be found with other spellings in the Netherlands, where the surname Runyan is found as Runnen, Roonen, Roonen, and Runen.
In America, the surname Runyan is most commonly found in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with other variants including Runion, Roonan, Ronan, Roney, Runyon, and Runyon. Variants of the Ronyon family established roots in West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.
The surname Runyan can be found in different spelling and variants in many countries, however, they are all derived from the same place name and Irish root.
Famous people with the name Runyan
- Jessica Runyan: Former child actress best known for her roles in Mike's Murder and The Amityville 3D
- Damon Runyan: Canadian actor known for his roles in Pet Semetary Two, Romeo Must Die, and Splinter
- Matt Runyan: American actor and musician
- Dave Runyan: American bass guitarist in the band Still Remains
- Chris Runyan: Former American NFL football player
- Hannah Runyan: American wrestling champion
- Debra Runyan: American urban fantasy novelist
- T.K. Runyan: American professional golfer
- Jonathan Runyan: Grandson of famous football player Jon Runyan and son of former NFL quarterback Chad Runyan.
- Evan Runyan: American military veteran turned actor and YouTuber