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Ragland Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Ragland Surname

The Ragland surname originates from the United Kingdom, specifically from Wales, where it first appeared in historical records during the early 13th century. This name is deeply rooted in Welsh history, reflecting a lineage that has evolved over the centuries. As a surname, Ragland provides a glimpse into the early familial structures and societal roles in medieval Wales, where surnames often signified geographical origins or occupational ties.

Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, the Ragland family began to expand beyond their initial Welsh roots, establishing a presence in England. This geographical and cultural spread marked a significant phase in the Ragland genealogy, as family branches intertwined with various communities. By the 18th century, Ragland families migrated to the United States, further extending their reach and becoming part of the broader American social fabric. This expansion continued into the 19th and 20th centuries, with Ragland families embedding themselves in diverse communities across the United States.

YourRoots data corroborates these historical movements, highlighting the Ragland surname's presence in Wales since the 13th century. The dataset enriches our understanding of how the Ragland family tree has developed over time, confirming its established roots in Wales and subsequent spread into England and the United States. The YourRoots database offers a wealth of Ragland records that illustrate the family's enduring legacy and the adaptability of its members across different cultural landscapes.

For researchers delving into the Ragland family tree or exploring Ragland genealogy, the YourRoots data provides invaluable insights. It not only confirms historical patterns but also serves as a comprehensive resource for tracing the Ragland lineage. The records available allow genealogists to connect with the broad history of the Ragland name, offering a detailed map of its evolution and the diverse paths taken by Ragland families around the world.

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Tracing Your Ragland Family Lineage

Origin of the Ragland Family: Where does the Ragland surname come from?

The Ragland surname first emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically in Wales, marking its presence in historical records during the early 13th century. This early documentation signifies the beginnings of a family lineage that would evolve and expand over centuries. The connection to Wales provides a foundational context for understanding the genealogical roots of the Ragland family and its subsequent migrations.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Ragland

Throughout its early centuries, the Ragland family primarily established itself within Wales, where the name became increasingly recognized. During the 15th century, the family lines began to flourish, contributing to a notable increase in the surname's presence in the region. As families grew and branched out, they laid the groundwork for future generations, fostering a rich tapestry of connections that would eventually extend beyond their homeland.

In the 16th century, the Ragland name saw further growth, with a significant number of families establishing themselves in England. This expansion marked a pivotal moment in the family’s history, as it began to create new branches that would intertwine with various communities across the region, setting the stage for broader migration in the following centuries.

Tracing the Ragland Family Tree Through the Centuries

The surname Ragland experienced notable geographical expansion, particularly as families migrated to the United States in the 18th century. This migration contributed to a substantial increase in the name's prevalence, with Ragland families establishing roots across various states and regions. The 19th century marked a significant era of growth, as the surname became firmly entrenched in American soil, reflecting the broader trends of migration and settlement during this period.

In the early 20th century, Ragland families continued to thrive across the United States, solidifying their presence in new communities. This period of growth indicates not only the resilience of the family name but also its adaptability to changing social landscapes. By tracing the Ragland family tree through these centuries, one can appreciate the dynamic evolution of the surname and its diverse branches that emerged across the globe.

Where to Find Ragland Genealogy Records Today

In contemporary times, the Ragland surname is found in various regions around the world, particularly in the United States, where it has maintained a strong presence. The 20th and 21st centuries saw families continuing to build upon their rich heritage, creating new connections and documenting their histories. For those interested in exploring their own Ragland lineage, the YourRoots database offers a wealth of genealogy records to uncover the intricate details of family trees and to connect with the broader history of the Ragland name.

Famous People with Ragland (and Their Family Tree)

Doria Ragland

Doria Loyce Ragland, born on September 2, 1956, is a prominent American social worker known for her diverse career and as the mother of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and has worked at the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services Clinic. Beyond her social work, Ragland has experience as a makeup artist, yoga instructor, and is the CEO of Loving Kindness Senior Care Management. Her notable affiliations include attending high-profile events like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding in 2018.

Doria Ragland was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Jeanette Arnold and antiques dealer Alvin Azell Ragland. Her ancestry traces back to Richard "Dick" Ragland, born into slavery in the 18th century. The family name originated from slave-owner William Ragland, a Methodist planter from Cornwall, England. Ragland has two older maternal half-siblings and a younger paternal half-brother. Her family history highlights a rich and complex lineage, with Meghan Markle discovering through genealogy testing that she is 43% Nigerian.

Joe Ragland

Joe Ragland is a distinguished American-Liberian professional basketball player currently playing for Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli Premier League. Born on November 11, 1989, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ragland excelled at college basketball with Wichita State, leading them to victory at the 2011 NIT championship. His professional career spans multiple countries, including stints with UCAM Murcia in Spain, Cantù and Olimpia Milano in Italy, and Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia. Known for his impressive performances, Ragland has consistently been a key player, such as when he was the MVP of Round 4 in the EuroCup with Cantù.

Robert O. Ragland

Robert Oliver Ragland was a renowned American film score composer born on July 3, 1931. He gained fame for his work on soundtracks across various genres, including blaxploitation films like "Abby," horror films such as "Mansion of the Doomed," and action films like "Assassination." Ragland collaborated with notable filmmakers like William Girdler and Larry Cohen, contributing significantly to the cinematic soundscape of the 20th century. In addition to his film work, he arranged music for acclaimed artists such as Marvin Gaye and Pat Boone. Ragland's educational background included studies at Northwestern University and the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, which laid the foundation for his illustrious career in music.

Tom Ragland

Thomas Ragland, born on June 16, 1946, in Talladega, Alabama, is a former professional baseball player known for his time as a second baseman. Ragland played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Washington Senators, Texas Rangers, and Cleveland Indians between 1971 and 1973. He began his career when selected in the 15th round of the first-ever amateur draft and appeared in 102 MLB games, achieving a batting average of .231 with 61 hits. After his MLB career, Ragland returned to the Detroit area to work in a local milk-processing plant and served as a scout for the Texas Rangers. He is also celebrated as a member of the Detroit High School Hall of Fame.

Thomas Ragland

Sir Thomas Ragland was a notable 16th-century politician from Carnllwyd, Glamorganshire, Wales, holding significant influence in both Norfolk and Surrey, England. He served as a Justice of the Peace for Norfolk from 1550 and was elected as a Member of Parliament for Malmesbury in 1563. His political career, however, faced an uncertain end as records indicate he was incarcerated in the Gatehouse Prison by August 1578, with details of his death remaining unknown.

Thomas Ragland was the eldest son of Sir John Ragland of Carnllwyd, who was knighted by Henry VIII after the 1513 Battle of Guinegate and attended The Field of the Cloth of Gold. Thomas married Ann Woodhouse, aligning with the influential Woodhouse family of Kimberley, Norfolk.

Ragland Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Ragland" is associated with various individuals across different professions, such as Doria Ragland, the mother of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, an American business executive. The name is also linked to locations in the United States, including Ragland, Alabama, and Ragland, West Virginia.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Ragland

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Ragland family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Ragland surname to learn more.