The surname Ragain was first found in Bedfordshire (Old English: Bedanfordscir), located in Southeast-central England, formerly part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia, where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century.
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Early History of the Ragain family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ragain research. Another 135 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1510 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Ragain History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Ragain Spelling Variations
The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Ragain has been spelled many different ways, including Ragon, Ragen, Rakon, Ragan and others.
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Early Notables of the Ragain family
More information is included under the topic Early Ragain Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Ragain family
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Ragains to arrive in North America: Ann Ragan, who came to Virginia in 1771; James Ragan, a bonded passenger, who arrived in America in 1750; John Ragan, who came to Philadelphia in 1798.
England
