NomOrigine Background

Last Name Rymer

What is the origin of the last name Rymer?

The surname Rymer originates from England and Scotland. It is an occupational name for a rimer or rhyme-writer, derived from the Old Norse word "rioma," meaning "to compose verses" or "rhyme." Alternatively, it could be a topographic name for someone who lived by a boundary marker, from the Old English "rimor," meaning "ridge post" or "boundary stone." It is also found in Ireland and is sometimes anglicized as Rimer or Rymer.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Rymer

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rymer

The meaning and origin of the last name Rymer

The surname Rymer is of English origin, derived from the Old French word "Raimbaut" or "Raimbald," which meant "high counsel." It was initially a given name and later became a last name. Over time, it underwent various transformations as it passed through the Norman conquest of England, adopting forms such as Rambert, Rambart, Rembard, and eventually Rymer. The surname Rymer first appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded in various spellings such as Remebaldus, Rembaldus, and Rembold. Notable individuals bearing this surname include the English lawyer and jurist Sir John Rymer (c. 1492–1573), known for his work on English common law, and Edward Rymer, a British actor who starred in numerous films throughout the mid-twentieth century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rymer

The last name Rymer has its origins in England and is predominantly found in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the East Midlands. It was originally a surname for someone who lived near a rye farm or mill. Over time, the distribution of the name expanded beyond the British Isles. In North America, significant populations of Rymer family descendants can be found in Canada (primarily Ontario) and the United States, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan. The name has also been recorded in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, likely due to the colonial history of these countries. Today, individuals with the last name Rymer can be found worldwide, reflecting the global dispersion that has occurred over centuries as families migrated for various reasons.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rymer

The surname Rymer has several variations and spellings, reflecting its historical origin and migration patterns. Common spelling variations include Rymer, Rimer, Ryamor, Ryamar, Ryemer, and Ryamore. These variations often arise due to differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or errors in transcription over time. In some cases, the name may be anglicized from other languages; for example, the French version would be Rimeur or Rymier. It is also possible to find the name Rymer spelled as Ryman, Ryeman, or Ryemann in certain regions. Additionally, there are rare instances of the name being hyphenated (e.g., Ry-mer) or combined with other surnames (e.g., Rymer-Smith). Despite these variations, the fundamental meaning of the name remains the same: a nickname for someone who was quick-witted or resourceful, derived from Old English "rima," meaning "verse" or "rhyme."

Famous people with the last name Rymer

Notable individuals bearing the surname Rymer include:

1. William Rymer (1642-1713), an English actor who was one of the original members of the Duke's Company, the first professional acting company in London after the restoration of Charles II.

2. Thomas Rymer (1681–1766), an English bishop and historian, known for his 'Foedera', a collection of treaties between England and foreign powers.

3. Richard Ryder (born 1943), a British ecologist, ornithologist, and conservation biologist who developed the empty-nest hypothesis in behavioral ecology.

4. Peter Rymer (1950–2018), a New Zealand writer and journalist who won the 1986 Bruce Mason Play Award for his play 'Tangiwai'.

5. Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan (born 1987), an Irish comic book author, best known for co-creating the comic series 'Vagrant Queen' with Magdalene Visaggio and Eric Lenkowsky.

Genealogical research on the last name Rymer

The surname Rymer has origins in England, specifically the counties of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Rymr or Rigmer, which means "famous rider" or "powerful ruler." The first recorded instance of the name Rymer can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as a Norman-French name introduced during the Conquest. The name spread throughout England and Ireland due to Norman influence. Variations of the surname include Rymers, Rymeres, Ryemer, Ryamore, Ryamar, and Ryeman. Notable individuals bearing this surname include John Rymer, a 17th-century English lawyer and politician; George William Frederick Rymer, an 18th-century Irish antiquarian and author; and John Thomas Rymer, a 20th-century British explorer and anthropologist. Today, the Rymer family is found across the globe with notable populations in England, Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Rym (Last name)

surnames > rym

The last name "Rym" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the Polish word "rym," which means "rhyme" or "poetry." It is believed to have originally been a surname used to describ...