MACRANKIN: (1) 'son of Rankin or Ranken, ' q. v. Once a common surname in Ayrshire. Henry M'Rankyne in Glengirvane by Mayboll was a charter witness in Carrick, 1563 (RMS., III, 1421). Neil M'Rankyne in Glengovane, a tenant under Kennedy of Culzeane in 1608 appears in 1610 as Neil Ranking or M'Ranking of Blairquhan (RPC., VIII, p. 426,671). Margaret M'Rankein in Knokskaith was retoured heir of John M'Rankein in Pynblaid, her father, 1621 (Retours, Ayr, 199), and William McKrenkine subscribed to the Test in Edinburgh, 1681 (RPC., 3. ser. VII, p. 724).

(2) A once common name in Glencoe and neighborhood. Gaelic MacFhraing, 'son of Francis. This origin is supported by the old Rannoch form found in the name of John Oig Mac Frankeine, 'servitor to the Clandoindouey Vc Alester' in Dounane, who was charged with illegally carrying arms, 1618 (RPC., 2. ser. VII, p. 372). Duncan M'Donchie VcCrankine in Glencoe was one of several to be apprehended for the merder of Duncan and James Stewart, 1617 (ibid., p. 187). Duncan McCraing in Nether Lorn, 1692 (Commons, p. 34). The Rankins or Macranldns of Coll were hereditary pipers to Macleans of Duart, and later to Macleans of Coll. They were earlier known as Clan Duille, from Cuduilligh. They had a 'college' at Kilbrennan, Mull, and the last 'professor' was Eoghan Mac Eachain 'ic Chonduiligh, who died c. 1754. They have no connection with Lowland Rankins. The resemblance of the name Rankin with old Gaelic Raingce of c. 1100-50 is most probably fortuitous.