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Hi Kathy,
Been a while since your post, but it came up on a search for something else.
If interested in RUNCIMANs, take a look at the RUNCIMAN Surname One Name Study, and companion DNA project.
http://RuncimansAll.blogspot.com
is the project diary with links to both.
Which is your family?
Regards
Lorna
Admin of both of the above.

Maddie - thanks so much. I am so pleased that the surname Runciman is both English & Scottish as well as having some history.

it did sound english but my family are scots and i thought there was some canadian angle--interest!!
:)) kathy

and also this
Origin of the surname

The entry for Runciman in Black's, The Surnames of Scotland reads:

RUNCIEMAN, Runciman. This name denoted an individual who had charge of the 'rouncies' or hackney-horses (LL. runcinus, a saddle horse). Patrick Runsyman was indweller in Roxburghshire in 1488, and John Runsyman witnessed an instrument of sasine in 1496 (Laing, 217; Home, 27). James Runsiman and William Runsiman were tenants in Birnie, Elginshire, in 1565 (REM., p. 441), Johne Runsyman, reidare at Une, Aberdeenshire, 1574 (RMR.). Alexander Rounseman was tenant of the marquis of Huntlie in 1600 (SCM.k iv, p.267), George Runsieman in Newlandis is in record in 1633 (SCM., m, p. 100), and David Runsiman was retoured heir of John Runsiman in Croylet in the regality of Kinross in 1653. Alexander Runchiman, weaver in Bassiden, 1666 (Edin. App.). Runchyman 1751, Runshiman 1686, Runsoman 1506.
Distribution of the name

found this
Last name: Runciman
Recorded in several spellings including Runcie, being the name of the former Archbishop of Canterbury, and the occupational Runciman, Runcieman and Runchman, this is an English surname of pre-medieval origins. It is believed to originate from the pre 7th century Olde English word runcy, a term for a high stepping horse, later known as a Hackney. As such it may have been a nickname for either a keeper and breeder of such horses, or with the suffix '-man' have referred to a person who was the friend or even manservant, of somebody called Runcie. Probably the first recording in any spelling is that of Roger Rouncy who appears in the Eynsham Charters of the city of Oxford in the year 1230, whilst Lawrence Rouncy who may well have been related and perhaps a son, is also recorded in the same charters, but in 1276. Even earlier the Itinery of Richard 1st of England, 1189 - 1199, mentions that a Walter de Burton, given as being the personal vallet to the king 'rode upon a rouncie'. Other recordings include Arthur Runciman who was married in London in 1697, whilst a century later James Runcieman married Mary Burton at St Georges chapel, Hanover Square, Westminster, in 1797.

Read more: http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Runciman#ixzz1QUigHPyb

Does anyone know if the surname RUNCIMAN is Scottish or Canadian??

many thanx all :)) kathy