Name Directory by Last Name: Last Names Starting with Ra

The surname Ray has its historical roots primarily in England and Scotland, with origins dating back to the medieval period. It is derived from the Old French word "rei," meaning "king," which was brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066.

The surname Rasmussen has its historical roots in Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark and Norway, where it is derived from the given name "Rasmus," itself a diminutive of "Erasmus," which means "beloved" in Greek. The surname first appeared in the medieval period, with its earliest records dating back to the 14th century.

The surname Randall has its historical roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old Norse personal name Rǫndulfr, which means "shield wolf." The name was introduced to England by Viking settlers and became popular in the Anglo-Saxon period. Over time, Randall evolved into a surname associated with various occupations, particularly in the context of land ownership and agriculture, as many bearers of the name were likely involved in farming or local governance.

The surname Ramirez has its roots in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain, where it is derived from the given name "Ramiro," which itself comes from the Gothic elements "ragin" (counsel) and "meri" (famous). The surname first appeared in the medieval period, with records dating back to the 12th century.

The surname Raymond has its historical roots in the Old High German name "Raginmund," which translates to "counsel protection" or "wise protector." It first appeared in medieval Europe, particularly in regions that are now part of modern-day France and Germany, around the 9th century. Over time, the name evolved into various forms, including "Raimund" and "Raymond," as it spread across different cultures.

The surname Ramsey has its historical roots in Scotland, particularly associated with the region of Fife and the town of Ramsey in the Isle of Man. The name is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Rǫmarr," meaning "raven," combined with the Old English "ēg," meaning "island" or "river island." The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the 12th century, with notable figures such as the Ramsey family of Dalhousie, who were prominent landowners and played significant roles in Scottish history.

The surname Ramos has its historical roots in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where it is derived from the given name "Ramón," which itself comes from the Germanic name "Raginmund," meaning "wise protector." The surname first appeared in the medieval period, with records dating back to the 13th century. It was often associated with individuals who held positions of importance within their communities, such as landowners or local leaders.

The surname Randolph has its historical roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old Norse personal name Rǫndulfr, which combines elements meaning "shield" and "wolf." The name first appeared in written records in the 12th century, particularly in the form of "Randulf" or "Randal." Over time, it evolved into various forms, including Randolph, which became more common in the 13th century. The surname is often associated with nobility and landownership, as many bearers of the name held significant social roles, particularly in the regions of England where they were landholders or involved in local governance.

The surname Rankin has its historical roots in Scotland, deriving from the personal name "Rank," which itself is a diminutive of the Old Norse name "Rǫgnvaldr," meaning "counsel power." The surname first appeared in written records in the 13th century, particularly in the regions of Ayrshire and Lanarkshire. Over time, the Rankin family became associated with various occupations, including farming and landholding, reflecting the agrarian society of medieval Scotland.

The surname Ramsay has its historical roots in Scotland, with origins tracing back to the medieval period. The name is derived from the Old English elements "ram," meaning a male sheep, and "eg," meaning an island or a piece of land surrounded by water.

The surname Ramires has its historical roots in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where it is believed to have originated during the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the given name Ramiro, which itself comes from the Gothic elements "ragin," meaning "counsel," and "meri," meaning "famous." As a patronymic surname, Ramires indicates lineage, suggesting "son of Ramiro." Over time, individuals bearing this surname were often associated with various occupations, including roles in the military and administration, reflecting the feudal structure of medieval society.

The surname Ralston has its historical roots in Scotland, particularly in the region of Renfrewshire. The name is believed to derive from the Old English personal name "Rædwald," combined with the Old Norse word "tun," meaning "farm" or "settlement." This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have been associated with a specific location or estate, possibly indicating a role as landowners or farmers.

The surname Rand has its historical roots primarily in England, where it is believed to have originated from the Old Norse personal name "Randi," which means "shield" or "rim." The name first appeared in written records during the medieval period, particularly in the 13th century. Over time, the surname became associated with various occupations, including those of landowners and farmers, reflecting the agrarian society of the time.

The surname Rasmusen has its historical roots in Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark and Norway, where it is derived from the given name Rasmus, itself a variant of the Latin name Erasmus, meaning "beloved" or "esteemed." The surname likely first appeared in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th to 16th centuries, as a patronymic surname, indicating "son of Rasmus." This naming convention was common in Nordic cultures, where surnames often reflected the father's first name. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Rasmusen may have been associated with various occupations, including farming and trade, which were prevalent in rural Scandinavian societies.

The surname Rapp has its historical roots primarily in Germany and is derived from the Middle High German word "rap," which means "to seize" or "to snatch." It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who was quick or agile, possibly in a physical sense or in terms of wit. The surname first appeared in the medieval period, with records indicating its presence in various regions of Germany.

The surname Rae has its historical origins rooted in Scotland, where it is believed to derive from the Gaelic word "rath," meaning "a fort" or "a dwelling." The name first appeared in written records in the 13th century, often associated with the lands and families of the Scottish Highlands. Over time, the surname became linked to various occupations, particularly in agriculture and land management, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of early Scottish society.

The surname Ralph has its historical roots in Old Norse and Old English, deriving from the given name "Rædwulf," which means "counsel wolf." This name was brought to England by Viking settlers and became popular in the Anglo-Saxon period. The surname Ralph began to appear in written records around the 12th century, particularly in regions with significant Norse influence, such as Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

The surname Raines has its historical roots in England, with origins that can be traced back to the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old French name "Renaud," which means "ruler's advisor" or "counselor," reflecting the social roles of those who bore the name.

The surname Radford has its historical origins in England, particularly in the region of Nottinghamshire, where it is believed to have first appeared in the medieval period. The name is derived from the Old English elements "read," meaning "red," and "ford," referring to a river crossing.

The surname Ransom has its historical roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old French term "rançon," which means "ransom" or "redemption." It first appeared in the 12th century, likely as a nickname for someone who was involved in the payment of ransom or perhaps for a person who had been captured and subsequently freed. Over time, the surname evolved to denote individuals who may have held roles related to negotiation or mediation, particularly in contexts involving hostages or prisoners.