Surname Ridnor - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'R'
Ridnor: What does the surname Ridnor mean?
The surname Ridnor doesn't have a specific meaning available in common ancestry or surname databases. It's possible that it could be a variant of some other surname, perhaps one with British, German, or Dutch roots as 'nor' is common in names from those regions. However, without definitive historical or genealogical data, the meaning and origin of "Ridnor" remain uncertain. It is always plausible that it might be a rare, less-known, or personalized surname. For a certain understanding of the history, geographical distribution, and lineage of the last name "Ridnor," specialized genealogical research would be required.
Order DNA origin analysisRidnor: Where does the name Ridnor come from?
The last name Ridnor is not particularly common today. It is primarily found in the United Kingdom and in various countries in Europe. It appears to have been derived from the Old Norse name Hríðnir, which was a patronym meaning literally 'Riding-spear', and is composed of the elements ríða ('to ride') and ormr ('spear').
In the UK, the 1881 British Census records 18 people living in England and Wales with the Ridnor surname, this number increased to 20 in the 1901 Census. The origins of the Ridnor name are unclear; but it is speculated that it could have been derived from a topographical name relating to an area of ‘ridges or hills’.
In Europe, the Ridnor name is widely found in the countries of Germany, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and in Sweden, where it was recorded in the volumes of the Swedish House of Names in 1571.
Although the Ridnor name today is less common, it appears to have been spread widely enough to exist in small pockets throughout the world.
Variations of the surname Ridnor
The surname Ridnor is derived from the Old Norse name Hrithr, which means “ruler” or “strong ruler.” The spelling of the name can vary depending on dialect and region. Variants include Ridnor, Rhithner, Ridener, Rideaner, Rhithener, and Rhydaner. Other spellings may be found in records, including Readaner, Rytaner, and Rythener.
The surname Ridnor is less common in the United States. Regions where the name is most commonly found include the North Central part of the country. Variations of the same name can also be found in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Scandinavia.
Surnames originating from the same root as Ridnor include Readner, Readnor, Redderson, Ridson, Redener, Riding, Raider, Radnors, Rednor, and Redders. Other variants include Reedy, Reidy, Riddick, Redeway, Redding, Reddingwoood, Reddington, Reddell, Redwood, Richner, and delicious.
All these variants and spellings represent the same general source, the Old Norse name Hrithr, and share the same meaning of “ruler” or “strong ruler”. The popularity of the surname varies regionally, and people with the Ridnor surname are most likely to be found in North Central parts of the United States.
Famous people with the name Ridnor
- Duncan Ridnour: Former American basketball player.
- Ken Ridnour: American baseball player.
- Max Ridnour: Professional kiteboarder and windsurfer.
- Amy Ridnour: American softball coach.
- Tom Ridnour: American retired Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Logan Ridnour: American professional basketball player.
- Ryan Ridnour: American professional ice hockey player.
- Kedric Ridnour: American football coach and former player.
- Kay Ridnour: American playwright and an English instructor at Transylvania University.
- Trophee Ridnour: French businesswoman, charity founder and former model.