Rayner Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Rayner Origin:

England

Origin of Rayner:

This unique surname is of old English origin, and derives from the ancient Norman French male name “Rainer” or “Re(i)ner.” It appears from the Old German word “Raginhari,” a combination of the components “ragin,” which means guidance, and “hari,” which means army. This name developed into England by the Normans after the invasion of 1066 and appears in its Latinized form as “Rainerus” in the Domesday Book of 1086. One, Reynerus cancellarius was listed in the Records of St. Benet of Holme, Norfolk, dated 1101, and a Ricardus filius (son of) Rainer in the 1148 Winton Rolls of Hampshire. Later in 7th Century Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse names frequently were made of a unique combination whose elements usually related to the Lords of Fire, Water, and War, or a compound of different components. Later examples of the surname consist of Alexander Reygner in London in 1229, William Reyner in Staffordshire in 1286 and Anabilla Rayner in Yorkshire in 1379. Wassell Rayner, a first traveler to the New World, showed on a list of those inhabitants in Virginia in February 1623.

Variations:

More common variations of this surname are: Rayaner, Rayoner, Raynera, Rayneri, Raynner, Rayiner, Raynerr, Rayneer, Ryner, Raner.

England:

The surname Rayner first originated in Herefordshire. The name was first listed as Raynerus, a resident in chief in the Domesday Book of 1086. After some year Reynerus cancellarius was recorded in Norfolk in 1101 – 1125 and Ricardus filius Rainer was recorded at Winton in Hampshire in 1148. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 recorded the name as a particular name as Reyner le Blak in Norfolk and Reyner Custance in Norfolk. The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 record Anabilla Rayner and Thomas Rayner.

The very first recorded spelling of the family was shown to be that of William Rayner, which was dated 1216, in “Transcripts of Charters relating to the Gilbertine Houses,” Lincolnshire. It was during the time of King Henry III, who was known to be “The Frenchman,” 1216 – 1272. The origin of surnames during this time became a basic requirement for the derivation of personal taxation.

United States of America:

Individuals with the surname Rayner settled in the United States in three different centuries respectively in the 17th, 18th, and 19th. Some of the people with the name Rayner who settled in the United States in the 17th century included Mrs. Adam Rayner, who landed in Virginia in 1622. Joan Rayner settled in Virginia in 1623 with her husband. Joane Rayner, who landed in Virginia in 1624 – 1625. Wassell Rayner, who arrived in Jamestown, Va in 1624. Thurston Rayner at the age of 13, landed in New England in 1634.

Some of the people with the name Rayner who settled in the United States in the 18th century included Christian Rayner, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1763.

Some of the individuals with the name Rayner who settled in the United States in the 19th century included Augustin Rayner, who arrived in New York in 1826.

Australia:

Some of the people with the name Rayner who settled in Australia in the 19th century included John Rayner, who transferred aboard the ‘Asia’ in July 1823, arriving in Van Diemen’s Land, Australia. William Rayner at the age of 52 landed in South Australia in 1849 aboard the ship “William Money.” Samuel Rayner came in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship “Spartan” in 1849. William Rayner at the age of 54 and Emily Rayner at the age of 19, both settled in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship “William Money” in the same year in 1849.

New Zealand:

Some of the people with the name Rayner who settled in New Zealand in the 19th century included William Rayner landed in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship “Whitby” in 1841. Mary Rayner at the age of 27 and William Rayner, at the age of 1, both settled in Nelson aboard the ship “Lloyds” in the same year in 1842. William Rayner at the age of 17 came in Nelson aboard the ship ‘Mary Ann” in 1842. C.F. Rayner came to Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship “Alma” in 1857.

Here is the population distribution of the last name Ryner: United States 4,849; England 11,696; Scotland 361; Australia 5,808; Malaysia 1,062; Canada 2,363; South Africa 2,046; Wales 429; New Zealand 1,018; Brazil 731.

Notable People:

Eddie Rayner (born 1952), was a New Zealand singer.

Henry Rayner (1902–1957), was an Australian and British entertainer.

Isidor Rayner (1850–1912), was an American politician.

Jack Rayner (1921–2008), was an Australian player in the rugby league.

Jacqueline Rayner was a British writer and television author.

Jay Rayner (born 1966), was a British scholar and author.

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

1) (East Drayton, co. Nottingham). Ermine on a chief indented azure two estoiles or.
2) Gules a saltire engrailed ermine
3) Gules a saltire engrailed or in chief three estoiles of the second pierced sable.
4) Argent three fleurs-de-lis (another, roses) between eight crosses crosslet gules.
5) Azure a fret sable a bend chequy or and gules.