Raikstraw History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Early Origins of the Raikstraw family

The surname Raikstraw was first found in Yorkshire where one of the first records of the family was John Rakestraw who was listed there in 1544. Thomas Raykestray was also listed in Yorkshire years later in 1605. 1 The name is "familiar to Lancashire and Yorkshire, where it has flourished for centuries. I suggested in my English Surnames that it was a nickname for a scavenger or dust-heap searcher. I have grown more careful as I have proceeded in my studies, and feel sure that it is a local surname, but I cannot find the spot." 2 We agree. If the name was indeed a nickname as Bardsley and Reaney previously noted, it would have surely been found throughout ancient Britain as nicknames often do. Further to the north in Perth, Scotland, John Rakstra rendered homage there in 1291.

Early History of the Raikstraw family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Raikstraw research. Another 105 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Raikstraw History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Raikstraw 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. Raikstraw has been spelled many different ways, including Rackstraw, Rakestraw, Rexstraw, Reckstraw and others.

Early Notables of the Raikstraw family

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

Migration of the Raikstraw 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 Raikstraws to arrive in North America: Grace Rackstraw, who came to Pennsylvania in 1688; Thomas Rackstrow, who arrived in Virginia in 1774; and John Thomas Rackstraw, who came to Georgia in 1888..

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)