Surname Runyon - Meaning and Origin
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A Journey through DNA with iGENEA: My Emotional Connection to the Runyon Surname
Taking an iGENEA DNA test transformed a casual curiosity into a profound, emotional dive into the history of the Runyon family lineage. The test results, brimming with revelations about geographic distribution and paternal ancestry, sparked emotions ranging from awe to a renewed sense of belonging and sparked a newfound interest in genealogy.
J. Runyon
read moreRunyon: What does the surname Runyon mean?
The surname Runyon is of French origin, deriving from the personal name "Rognvaldr", which was popular in the Norman region. The name itself is composed of two elements: "regin" meaning 'might', 'counsel' or 'decision', and "valdr" meaning 'power' or 'rule'. After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the name was commonly anglicized to "Reynold". In the dialect of Old Norman, it transformed into "Ronyon". Then there was likely an adaptation to "Runion" and finally "Runyon" after families with this surname immigrated from France to English-speaking countries, particularly the US. However, it is important to note that the specific family history and geographical movement would most accurately determine the evolution of the surname. As with many surnames, variations can be found including Runion, Runnion, Runyan, Runnells, and Reynell among others. Also, there may be several unrelated sources of the same surname due to immigration, anglicization, and other linguistic and societal factors. The meanings and origins of surnames can provide an interesting insight into family history and cultural heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisRunyon: Where does the name Runyon come from?
The last name Runyon is primarily concentrated in the United States today. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 5,000 people in the U.S. carried the Runyon surname in 2020. Runyon is most common in the state of Ohio, where the 2020 Census estimates 1,190 individuals with the Runyon surname resided, making it the 231st most common surname in the state. Other states where Runyon is more common include Illinois (616 individuals), Kentucky (508 individuals), and Missouri (330 individuals).
One notable bearer of the Runyon surname was Damon Runyon, a famous American journalist and short-story writer of the early twentieth century. Namesake Damon Runyon was best known for his humorous short stories celebrating the world of Broadway and New York City's underbelly. Damon was born in Kansas and lived most of his adult life in New York City. As a result, the Runyon surname is still most commonly found in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the U.S.
Though the Runyon surname is quite popular in the United States, it is not especially common outside of the country. The surname virtually disappeared from record books in the United Kingdom after the Middle Ages and is not listed in any of the top 500 family names in either Canada or Australia.
Variations of the surname Runyon
The surname Runyon is of English origin, originating from the Old English element “hryne” meaning ‘rune’. This surname can have various alternative spellings and be found in a wide array of combinations around the world. Variants of the surname Runyon include Runion, Runnion, Runyonne, Runnionne, Runyen, Runionne, as well as more rare spellings likeRonne, Runing, Runingne, Runinking, Runyowne, Runyeyne, Runneine, and Ranning.
The Runyon surname can also be found as a variant spelling of other surnames. For example, Runyan can be a variant spelling of the Dutch surname Reijnen or the German surname Runge. Runyon may also be a variation of spelling for the surnames Rayon, Reynon, Ryon, Ryun, and Raiyn, as well as other names.
Runyon is also a common surname across the United States. As immigrants moved to the US from Europe, the spelling of their surname in the new country was often changed. In many cases, a surname may be changed completely, but in other cases the spelling could be altered slightly. Therefore, variations of the Runyon surname may include Runnin, Runion, Ronion, Runiong, and Runyone.
Overall, the surname Runyon is found in numerous countries around the world and occurs in a wide array of spellings and variants. It is important to remember that while the Runyon surname may vary, the origin of the name remains the same.
Famous people with the name Runyon
- Damon Runyon: Damon Runyon (1884–1946) was a famous American newspaperman and short story writer known for his witty works about the world of New York City gangsters, gamblers, and hustlers.
- Allen Runyon: Allen Runyon (1940–2015) was an American scientist, academic, and medical administrator who served in the United States Air Force and as president and CEO of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
- Lowell Runyon: Lowell Runyon (1925–2012) was an American rock singer and songwriter who is best known for his song "Rock Around the Clock."
- Paul Runyon: Paul Runyon (1916–2002) was a professional golfer who won a total of 33 PGA Tour tournaments and six senior tour events.
- Mike Runyon: Mike Runyon (1973–) is an American lawyer and former professional American football player who played cornerback in the NFL.
- Charles Runyon: Charles Runyon (1939–) is an American writer and auto journalist, most known for his work writing for publications such as Motor Trend, Automobile, and the Wall Street Journal.
- Walt Runyon: Walt Runyon (1921–2011) was an American football coach who served in the Navy during World War II and later served as a head football coach at Allegheny College and Michigan State University.
- Robert Runyon: Robert Runyon (1943–) is an American film and television producer, best known for producing such shows as Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and The A-Team.
- William J. Runyon: William J. Runyon (1924–2007) was an American politician who served in both the New Jersey State Senate and the New Jersey General Assembly.