The name Chranoi (Χράνοι) probably derives from the Slavic word Hrana (Хpaнa) which literally means 'crop', probably in relation to the village's agricultural nature.

Chranoi was originally several smaller villages which grew together and eventually joined into one, according to local accounts.

As part of Charilaos Trikoupis' construction projects a bridge and railroad station with trucks running through the village were built.

During World War II it was occupied by the Italians and many villagers joined the resistance with the National Liberation Front (Greece).

The villagers managed to convince the local Italian garrison, which was guarding its strategic bridge, to join them in the guerilla warfare against the Nazi occupation, telling them that the Germans would otherwise kill them because of Italy's surrender.