Rankin is a last name of Scottish and English origin, brought to Ireland by the Plantation of Ulster. The name is derived from the medieval personal name Rankin, which is a diminutive of Ronald or Rand, combined with the diminutive suffix kin. People with the last name Alan Rankin, sound editor Annabelle Rankin, Australian senator Arabella Rankin, Scottish artist Arthur Rankin, surveyor, entrepreneur and political figure in Canada West Arthur Rankin, Jr., who worked on Rankin/Bass animation studios with Jules Bass Arthur E. Rankin (1888-1962), American politician Arthur Rankin (footballer) (1904–1962), Scottish footballer Bobby Rankin (1905–1954), Scottish football player and manager (St. Mirren FC) Boyd Rankin, Irish cricketer Brian Robson Rankin, professional name of Hank Marvin (born 1941), lead guitarist of the Shadows Chris Rankin, New Zealand actor Christopher Rankin, U.S. Representative from Mississippi Claire Rankin, Canadian actress Darrell Rankin (born 1957), leader of the Communist Party of Canada-Manitoba and peace activist David Rankin (disambiguation), several people Doris Rankin (1887-1947), American actress Frank Rankin, Canadian ice hockey player George Rankin, Australian Major General, DSO and Bar George Claus Rankin, Anglo-Indian judge Harry Rankin, Canadian lawyer from Vancouver Holly Rankin (born 1991), professional name of Jack River, Australian singer-songwriter Isaiah Rankin, English footballer Ian Rankin (disambiguation), several people including Ian Rankin, Scottish crime author J. Lee Rankin, U.S. Solicitor General James Rankin (disambiguation), several people James Rankin (lighthouse keeper) (1844–1921), Irish-born American lighthouse keeper Sir James Rankin, 1st Baronet (1842–1915), British politician Janice Rankin (born 1972), Scottish curler Jeannette Rankin (1880–1973), the first female member of Congress, voted against entry into World War I, promoter of woman suffrage and social legislation, and the only member of Congress to vote against United States entry into World War II Jennifer Rankin (1941–1979), Australian poet and playwright John Rankin (disambiguation), several people John Rankin (abolitionist) (1793–1886), American Presbyterian minister, educator and abolitionist John E. Rankin (1882–1960), United States Representative from Mississippi John Rankin (British politician) (1890–1973), Scottish Member of Parliament 1955–1973 John Rankin (footballer, born 1983) (born 1983), Scottish footballer Jon Rankin, Caymanian athlete Jordan Rankin, Australian rugby league footballer Judy Rankin, American golfer Kenny Rankin, American jazz singer Kyle Rankin, American film director Lou Rankin, American sculptor Martinas Rankin, American football player Matthew Rankin, Canadian experimental filmmaker Melinda Rankin (1811–1888), American missionary, teacher, and writer Molly Rankin, lead singer of the indie pop band Alvvays Murray Rankin, Canadian lawyer, academic and politician Naomi