Surname Ragsdale - Meaning and Origin

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In an odyssey through my genetic past, the iGENEA DNA test turned out to be an enlightening endeavor. Providing technical sophistication and accuracy, the test uncovered the rich tapestry of my ancestry bearing the Ragsdale surname, paving the way for a deeper grip on my identity.

H. Ragsdale

Ragsdale: What does the surname Ragsdale mean?

The surname Ragsdale is of Old Norwegian origin, derived from the name of a geographical location known as Raegesdale during medieval times or even earlier. It is believed to combine "Raeges", which could be a personal name or refer to a type of animal (possibly a doe), and "dale" signifying a valley. Thus, it was used to denote someone who lived in this specific valley. First employed as a family name in the British Isles, the spelling can vary as Ragdale, Rhagsdale, or Ragsdall among others. Over time, many individuals with this name have migrated, leading to its presence currently in various nations, particularly in the United States. Like other surnames, tracing specific family lineage using the name requires further personalized research, as individuals bearing this surname may not be directly related.

Ragsdale: Where does the name Ragsdale come from?

The last name Ragsdale is most commonly found in the United States. It tends to be concentrated in the southeastern and central states, particularly in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Virginia, and North Carolina. This is likely due to the fact that many of the early immigrants with this name were of British descent and settled in the South during the colonial period.

Today, many Ragsdales continue to live in these areas, while others have moved to larger cities throughout the United States. According to the 2010 census, the estimated population of Ragsdales nationwide was 18,071, with the majority living in Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, and Virginia.

Ragsdales can be found all over the world, however. Today, there are Ragsdales living in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and even South Africa. Other variants of the surname, such as Ragless and Ragsdill, can also be found in many different countries.

Overall, the last name Ragsdale is quite common in the United States and other countries around the world, a testament to the fact that the name has been around since the early colonial days and continues to live on today.

Variations of the surname Ragsdale

The surname RAGSDALE is of English origin and is derived from the Old English term ‘Rachesdale’ or ‘Rachesdale’, which means ‘valley of raches or reeds’. It is thought that the name may have derived from the medieval practice of assigning names to individuals based on physical characteristics such as hair color or a physical feature.

The surname RAGSDALE is commonly found in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include Ragsdail, Ragsdill, Ragdale, Raygsdale, Raigsdell, Raggsdale, Roothsdill, Routhsdale, Rushdill, Rysdale, and Regesdale.

It is also found among some people of Scottish heritage, who may spell the name Ragsdale or Riggsdale. It is also very common among some Southern families with English origin, who may spell the name with two Gs as in Raggsdale, with the “gg” being dropped off in more recent times.

In some cases, it has been found that the name may have been derived from a location and adapted over time. Some people with the surname Ragsdale may have originally had the surname ‘Rathswick’, which refers to the town of Rathvilly, in county Carlow, Ireland.

Overall, RAGSDALE is an English origin surname that has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It can be found among families of English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish origins. These alternative spellings and surnames have grown and changed over time, since first appearing in sources as early as the 16th century.

Famous people with the name Ragsdale

• Laura Ragsdale: American athlete, former NCAA runner-up, and All-American for the U.S. Track and Field team.
• Tony Ragsdale: American country music singer known for his hits on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart during the 1990s.
• Ray Ragsdale: American jazz saxophonist from Atlanta.
• Chad Ragsdale: American comedian and actor who starred in the 2011 film To Save a Life.
• Rodney Ragsdale: American Gospel singer and contemporary Christian music composer.
• Matthew Ragsdale: British poet, playwright, and librettist.
• John Ragsdale: American entrepreneur, business executive, and author.
• Kathryn Ragsdale: American opera singer, stage director, vocal coach, and librettist.
• Victoria Ragsdale: American Otolaryngologist and 2017 Inductee into the Tennessee Women’s Hall of Fame.
• Michael Ragsdale: American actor with numerous appearances in television series including NCIS and The Young and the Restless.

Other surnames

Ragsdall