Surname Wranna - Meaning and Origin
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Wranna: What does the surname Wranna mean?
The last name Wranna is of Hungarian origin, with early written references to this surname being found in the country’s regions of Vas, Zala, and Baranya. It is believed to be derived from the given name “Warin” or “Varin,” which is derived from the Old Germanic name “Warinhild,” meaning “protected by war.” The Wranna surname reflects a strong sense of nobility and honor, indicating individuals with power and strength in battle.
At the beginning of the 20th century, many Hungarian families were forced to flee their homes in the face of political and military turmoil. During this time, many Wrannas migrated to other countries in Europe, the United States, and Canada. In these new countries, the surname has taken on a variety of spellings, most notably “Wrenna” and “Vrenna,” showing the influence of other languages and cultural backgrounds on the surname.
Today, those with the surname Wranna often continue to carry on a strong sense of heritage, often displaying a dedication to their family’s past and culture. Whether through traditions such as naming children after ancestors or gathering for family gatherings to preserve stories and values, the surname’s bearer manifests a commitment to a long and enduring legacy of strength and honor.
Order DNA origin analysisWranna: Where does the name Wranna come from?
The surname Wranna is not particularly common today. It is an Anglicized version of an Old Norse or Gaelic personal name, most likely derived from the Irish surname "Ó Ruadháin". It has primarily been found in the regions of Scotland and Ireland, and the Isle of Man.
In modern times, the Wranna surname is believed to have mainly originated in Scotland, though it may also have first appeared in Ireland in the 12th century. It is often referred to as a "Border Reiver" name, as some of the original bearers of the name were associated with a Reiver's march. In Scotland, the top towns that show Wranna as a surname in the 19th-century are Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Edinburgh, and Ayr.
In Ireland, Wranna is not commonly found, but there are some occurrences of the name in records from County Mayo and County Donegal. The surname does appear in more modern records though, and there is a family from County Mayo living in Glasgow.
In the United States, the Wranna surname is rather rare, but it can be found in some records stretching back as far as the 19th-century. The majority of these lineages are generally descended from Irish immigrants. Today, descendants of the Wrannas live in various parts of the United States, England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and beyond.
Variations of the surname Wranna
Wranna is a surname of Germanic origin that likely dates back to the migration of people from Northern Europe to the British Isles in the Middle Ages. The spelling and variants of the surname range between Wrana, Wranne, Wrunna, Kranna, and Kreanna.
The many variant spellings of the same surname could be the result of different spellings chosen by different family branches, as well as a result of regional dialects and how the name was represented in written records. There could also be a connection to the place where the family line originated - old dialects were sometimes used to indicate place of origin in names.
A few of the variants have been retained in the French language, such as Frane, Franne, and Wranne. Other variants, such as Kreanna, may have originated as a result of people from Eastern or Southern Europe settling in England from the late fifteenth century onwards.
In terms of other surnames of Germanic origin, Wranna is related to surnames such as Wrangler, Graw, Wren, and Warriner. These are all likely derived from the Old Germanicic word ‘wranna’, which is thought to have meant “guardian” or “warrior”.
Overall, Wranna is a unique surname with a variety of spelling and dialect variants, as well as related surnames that originate from the same source. The diverse range of spelling variants highlights the captivating history of the British Isles and the many cultures that have come together to influence the language we use today.
Famous people with the name Wranna
- Alexandra Wranna: an Australian television presenter
- Xavier Wranna: Los Angeles music producer and artist
- Bryan Wranna: American gold medalist swimmer
- Troy Wranna: American artist and sculptor
- John Wranna: former professional ice hockey defensemen
- Paul Wranna: former Los Angeles police chief
- Anna Wranna: professional actress
- Steven Wranna: former marathon runner
- Anthony Wranna: Australian basketballer
- Nancy Wranna: award-winning children’s author