The surname Ragen 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 Ragen family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ragen research. Another 135 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1510 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Ragen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Ragen Spelling Variations
It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Ragen are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Ragen include: Ragon, Ragen, Rakon, Ragan and others.
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Early Notables of the Ragen family
More information is included under the topic Early Ragen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Ragen family
Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Ragen or a variant listed above: 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.
Contemporary Notables of the name Ragen (post 1700)
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Ragen Hatcher, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate in primary for Mayor of Gary, Indiana, 2011 1
England
Ireland
