Surname Ragsdell - Meaning and Origin
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Ragsdell: What does the surname Ragsdell mean?
The surname Ragsdell is of English origin, although its exact meaning is not clear. Many English surnames were derived from geographical characteristics of the land where the original bearer lived or held land, occupational names, and patronymics (descended from the father's lineage). It is likely that Ragsdell falls under one of these categories, but its specific origin or meaning is not easily traceable.
However, breaking down the name, "Rag" could be a person's nickname or occupation, such as a rag seller or maker. On the other hand, "dell" is a common English term for a small valley or a wooded hollow. Therefore, one possible interpretation of Ragsdell could be "the rag maker or seller from the small valley".
It's important to remember that surnames evolved over centuries and were subject to regional dialects, so the meanings can be very speculative. It always requires extensive genealogical research to accurately trace surname origins.
Order DNA origin analysisRagsdell: Where does the name Ragsdell come from?
The last name Ragsdell is most common among populations of English descent. In England, it is especially prevalent in the area of West Yorkshire in the northern part of the country. In the United States, the last name Ragsdell is most common in the Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska. It is also quite common in Minnesota and South Dakota.
Ragsdell is a quite an old name, first appearing in English records in the mid 12th century. It is of patronymic origin, meaning that it originally derived from the given name of a father or ancestor. It likely evolved from the personal name Ragenhilt, derived from the Germanic words "ragin," meaning council, and "hilt," meaning battle.
The meaning of the name Ragsdell can be interpreted in a number of ways. It could refer to someone who was skilled at managing a battle or to someone particularly skilled at counseling. It could also refer to a brave and skilled soldier. Today, many people who bear the name Ragsdell do not know its origin or meaning.
Despite its presence in the United States for a number of generations, the last name Ragsdell is still relatively uncommon and is more frequently seen in England than elsewhere.
Variations of the surname Ragsdell
Ragsdell is an English surname which derives from the Old English "Rægdael" meaning bray valley. Variants of the name include Ragdall, Ragsdale, Raydall, Raydell, Raydall, Reydell, Reydall, and Redall.
The surname Ragsdell can also be found in the form of Ragsdaell and Ragsdill. It can also be found in some cases spelled Ragsdaile, Ragsdal, and Ragsdyll.
The surname Ragsdell is also related to several other English surnames, including Ragdale, Radley, Redley, Rayle, Rea, Ree, and Reagan. All of these names originate from the Old English "þe rægdael" meaning "The Bray Valley".
The Americanized spelling of the surname Ragdell can also be found in some records, particularly during the 19th century. It is also found occasionally as Radal, Radel, and Radyl.
The name has also been Anglicized in some instances as Radliff, Radcliffe, Radley, and Riddle. Some other spellings that can be found using this variation are Readow and Redlow.
The surname Ragsdell can also be found in some records in the form of Riggsdell and even Rigdell. This variant is believed to originate from the Old English "Rygdel" meaning "Rye Valley".
Finally, the name has also been found in some rare instances as Wragsdale, Wrigsdale, and Wrygdale - all derived from Old English as well.
Famous people with the name Ragsdell
- Mark Ragsdell, American rower
- Nicole Ragsdell, American actress
- Nathan Ragsdell, English actor
- Emily Ragsdell, British athlete
- Clifford Ragsdell, American archeologist
- Marcella Ragsdell, American visual artist
- Dan Ragsdell, Australian singer
- Hayden Ragsdell, British sculptor
- Jonathan Ragsdell, American novelist
- Julian Ragsdell, English historian