Rakelay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Early Origins of the Rakelay family

Early History of the Rakelay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rakelay research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1682 and 1720 are included under the topic Early Rakelay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rakelay Spelling Variations

Rakelay has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Rackham, Reckham, Rakeham, Rackley, Rakeley and others.

Early Notables of the Rakelay family

Distinguished members of the family include John "Calico Jack" Rackham (Rackam, Rackum) (1682-1720), an English pirate operating in the Bahamas during the early 18th century. He was captured, then hanged outside Port Royal, Jamaica in 1720. Rackham is best remembered for his design of his Jolly Roger flag, a skull with crossed swords, which contributed to the popularization of the design; and for having two female crew members: Mary...
Another 69 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rakelay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Rakelay family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Rakelays to arrive on North American shores: Claudius Rackham, who settled in New York in 1868; Joshua Rackham, who settled in New York in 1868; as well as Emily, Eliza and George Rackham, who arrived in Charlottetown, P.E.I. in 1891..