Ragsdale Surname

The Origin of the Surname Ragsdale

The surname Ragsdale is of English origin and is derived from a place name. The name is believed to have originated from the village of Rakesdale, which was located in the county of Derbyshire in England. The village no longer exists, but its name lives on through the surname Ragsdale.

It is believed that the name Ragsdale is a topographic surname, meaning that it was originally given to someone who lived near a notable geographic feature. In this case, the name likely referred to someone who lived near a dale or valley that was known for its rich and fertile soil. The addition of "rake," which means to gather up or collect, may have referred to the agricultural practices of the area.

Early History of the Ragsdale Surname

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Ragsdale date back to the 13th century in England. The name was first recorded as "de Rakesdale" in records from that time, indicating that the name was used to describe someone who lived in or near the village of Rakesdale.

Over the centuries, the name Ragsdale spread to other parts of England and even to other countries around the world. It is most commonly found in the United States, where it is the most prevalent, but it can also be found in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, Germany, and others.

Distribution of the Ragsdale Surname

According to data from various countries, the incidence of the surname Ragsdale is highest in the United States, where there are over 17,000 individuals with the last name. This indicates that the name is most common in the US compared to other countries.

In the United Kingdom, the surname is less common, with only a few hundred individuals bearing the name. It is most prevalent in England, particularly in the county of Derbyshire where the village of Rakesdale was located.

In other countries such as Canada, Sweden, Germany, and others, the surname Ragsdale is much rarer. There are only a few dozen individuals with the name in each of these countries, indicating that the name has not spread widely outside of the United States and the UK.

Famous Individuals with the Surname Ragsdale

Despite its relatively small numbers, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Ragsdale throughout history. One such individual is actor Max Ragsdale, known for his roles in various television shows and films. Another is author Helen Ragsdale, who has written several acclaimed novels and short stories.

Additionally, there are several Ragsdale families who have made significant contributions in various fields such as business, politics, and the arts. These families have helped to shape the legacy of the surname Ragsdale and continue to carry on its traditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Ragsdale has a long and storied history that dates back to medieval England. The name is derived from a place name and is most commonly found in the United States, where it has the highest incidence. While the name may be less common in other countries, it is still a notable and respected surname with a rich legacy.

The surname Ragsdale within the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar happens when it comes to Ragsdale, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated that it's a surname that can be present in all of the nations for the world. In the same way you will find countries by which definitely the density of people aided by the surname Ragsdale is higher than far away.

The map for the Ragsdale surname

1. United States (17567)
2. England (162)
3. Canada (99)
4. Sweden (14)
5. Germany (9)
6. Turkey (3)
7. United Arab Emirates (2)
8. Australia (2)
9. India (2)
10. South Korea (2)
11. Mexico (2)
12. South Africa (1)
13. Afghanistan (1)
14. Brazil (1)
15. China (1)
16. Spain (1)
17. Scotland (1)
18. Wales (1)
19. Japan (1)
20. Kazakhstan (1)
21. Namibia (1)
22. Netherlands (1)
23. Philippines (1)
24. Qatar (1)
25. Russia (1)
26. Saudi Arabia (1)
27. Singapore (1)
28. Vietnam (1)