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Show ContentsRahal Surname History
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Extended Surname History Download (PDF) - Letter Size

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Rahal family, who lived in Kent. Their name, however, is a reference to Roisel, France. John Roiale, Normandy was registered in 1180-1195 (Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae) 1

The first records of the family was as a "personal name Galfrid Roille in Rotuli de Oblatis et Finibus, King John." 2

Early Origins of the Rahal family

The surname Rahal was first found in the Close Rolls where Bernard de Royl was listed in 1230. Later, William de Roille was found in the Assize Rolls for Cheshire in 1290. 3

One source presumes that family is from "Ryle, in the manor of Etchells, in the parish of Northendon, Cheshire" 4 and the last roll entry may agree.

An early East Cheshire roll has the following entry: "Sir Nicholas de Eton ... concedes to Sir William de Baggylegh, knt. ... one hamlet... in the vill of Echeles, which is called Ruyhul ... which Richard de Ruyhul held ... c. 1318." 4

This source goes on "most of the Cheshire and Lancashire Royles and Ryles are sprung from this spot, including the late Bishop of Liverpool. In the form of Royle the surname has ramified very strongly." 4 "Royle is the name of an ancient mansion in Whalley parish, [Lancashire]." 5

Early History of the Rahal family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rahal research. Another 304 words (22 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1230, 1290, 1551, 1574, 1603, 1609, 1661, 1669, 1734, 1826, 1831, 1833, 1855, 1858, 1878, 1881 and 1894 are included under the topic Early Rahal History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rahal Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Rahal were recorded, including Royle, Royal, Royell, Royl, Roille, Riall, Ryle, Ryall, O'Riall and many more.

Early Notables of the Rahal family

More information is included under the topic Early Rahal Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Rahal family to Ireland

Some of the Rahal family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Australia Rahal migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Rahal Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Ann Rahal, aged 21, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1856 aboard the ship "Fitzjames"
  1. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  2. Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  4. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  5. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
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