Last Name Rona

The surname "Rona" is of Scottish origin. It is a locational surname derived from the town of Rona in the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland. The name is thought to mean "grey headland" or "headland of the seaweed". During the Middle Ages, people often took their names from the place where they lived or worked. Over time, as populations grew and moved around, variations in spelling arose due to factors such as illiteracy, translation errors, and regional dialects. Some other variants of the name "Rona" include Rennie, Renny, and Runcie, among others.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rona

The meaning and origin of the last name Rona

The surname Rona is of Scottish, Irish, and Jewish origins. In Scotland, it derives from the Gaelic "Ron" or "Run" which means 'seal' or 'stream'. It was often given as an occupational name to someone who lived near a stream inhabited by seals or worked with seals. In Ireland, Rona may be an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Ruanain, which translates to 'descendant of Ruadhán', a personal name meaning 'little red one'. In Judaism, Rona is a variant of Ron, a Hebrew name meaning 'melody' or 'song'. The name Rona first appeared in Scotland during the Middle Ages and was later spread by Scottish settlers to Northern Ireland and Ulster. It has since become a common surname among people of Celtic and Jewish descent worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rona

The surname Rona is primarily distributed across several regions globally, with notable concentrations in Scotland and Spain. In Scotland, the name is most prevalent in the Highlands and Islands areas, particularly in counties like Ross-shire, Sutherland, and Caithness. In Spain, it can be found predominantly in Galicia, specifically in the provinces of A Coruña, Pontevedra, and Lugo. Additionally, smaller groups of individuals carrying the Rona surname can also be found in other European countries, such as France, Italy, and Portugal. Beyond Europe, there are significant populations in countries like Brazil, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, where the name has been carried by immigrants from Scotland and Spain over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rona

The surname Rona has several variations and spellings, stemming from diverse origins. One common variation is Ronan, often found among Irish families and Gaelic speakers. Another version is Rhona, which originates from Scotland and may also be spelled as Ronna or Rohna in some regions. A less common variant is Ronaa, a Breton surname of Celtic origin. Additionally, there's the Italian surname Ronca, derived from the word "ronco," meaning hoarse or rough, which might have been corrupted over time to Rona in certain cases. In Russian, Rona can also be found as the diminutive form of Irina. It's essential to note that these spellings and pronunciations may differ depending on the region or language context.

Famous people with the last name Rona

Notable individuals with the surname Rona include: 1. Judytene Rona (born 1948), a Lithuanian-Canadian artist known for her figurative paintings and drawings that often depict female figures and landscapes. 2. Shlomo Rona (1926–2015), an Israeli composer, conductor, and musician who was a key figure in the development of Israeli music, particularly in the field of liturgical music. 3. Michael Ronda (born 1984), an American professional basketball player who has played for several teams in Europe, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Fenerbahçe. 4. Ron Athey (born 1961), a British-American performance artist whose work often explores themes of pain, identity, and spirituality. 5. Ephraim Rohnen (1878–1943), a Lithuanian Jewish rabbi who served as the Chief Rabbi of the city of Kovno (Kaunas) before being murdered during the Holocaust. 6. Haya Ronna (born 1952), an Israeli painter known for her abstract works that explore themes such as memory, loss, and femininity. These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields including art, music, sports, and religion.

Genealogical research on the last name Rona

The surname Rona, originating from Scotland and Ireland, is predominantly associated with the Celtic clans. In Gaelic, "Ronan" means 'little seal' or 'seal-like,' suggesting an early family member may have been named for a sea creature or possessing characteristics associated with seals. One of the earliest records of the Rona family is found in Scotland during the 13th century, particularly in the lands around Moray and Ross-shire. The clan spread to other parts of Scotland and Ireland during the Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries. Notable figures bearing the name include Robert Rona, a prominent figure in Scottish education reform in the late 19th century, and Mary Rona, an influential Scottish journalist in the early 20th century. The Rona lineage remains widespread across Scotland, Ireland, England, Canada, Australia, and the United States, with a substantial number of descendants still carrying the name today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rona"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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