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  1. #1
    Join Date
    17th October 14
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    Ramsay and Ramsey - Both Scottish?

    I am trying to find out about the name Ramsey. My mom's maiden name is Ramsey, but when I search tartan patterns, only the name Ramsay produces a tartan pattern. I have seen several places on the internet that states that Ramsey is just a variation of Ramsay and that both are Scottish in origin. Other sites say Ramsey is English. It is confusing. I know Ramsay is Scottish, but is Ramsey?

    When I wear my kilts, people ask if I am Scottish and I tell them I am part. But the Ramsey-Ramsay question is making me wonder. Anyone have a clue on this "mystery"? Thanks...

    Norm
    "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord....." Psalm 33:12

  2. #2
    Join Date
    2nd May 08
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    Mandurah, Western Australia
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    According to Black, The Surnames of Scotland, "the Ramsays are supposed to have come from Huntingdonshire where Ramsey is a local name." Black shows a number of historic spelling variations, including Ramesay, Rameseye, Ramissay, Remesey and Ramhishay.

    This may also be of interest:
    http://one-name.org/name_profile/ramsey/

    A thorough genealogical search is the only way to be certain of your Ramsey's origin.
    Last edited by Bruce Scott; 20th December 14 at 03:37 PM.

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  4. #3
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    The entire concept of a "correct" spelling is a relatively recent although critically important one. Will Shakespere is said to have spelled his own name 37 different ways in his will, one of which I've used here (since he did!) knowing full well that it is not the more commonly accepted spelling of his name in contemporary practice.

    That said, I'm quite comfortable in declaring the variations of spelling in your own name to be of a similar sort.

    Rev'd Father Bill White: Mostly retired Parish Priest & former Elementary Headmaster. Lover of God, dogs, most people, joy, tradition, humour & clarity. Legion Padre, theologian, teacher, philosopher, linguist, encourager of hearts & souls & a firm believer in dignity, decency, & duty. A proud Canadian Sinclair.

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  6. #4
    Join Date
    6th July 08
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    My Grandmother, Mary Withnell, born Mary Davies, is the source of my membership in Davidson Clan. Since Withnell is Welsh, and Davies is a very common Welsh name, I had always assumed she was also Welsh. Turns out from family stories and diaries, she came from "Up North" which from Lancaster, where she and Grandpa lived, would be Scotland. During my research, I found documents where her name is spelled three different ways - on the same document in her handwriting! Davies, Davys and Davis, all of which are recognized septs of Davidson. Spelling is just not a reliable way of distinguishing between the origin of similar names in different countries/languages.
    Geoff Withnell

    "My comrades, they did never yield, for courage knows no bounds."
    No longer subject to reveille US Marine.

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  8. #5
    Join Date
    17th October 14
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    Thank you all for you replies. I did not realize how prevalent name variations in the same families could be. I know my mom told me when I was a kid that we did have Scottish ancestry. I guess I will just figure that Ramsey is just a variation of Ramsay and go from there. Just did not wanna claim heritage that may not have been there. Maybe I am just splitting hairs, no?
    "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord....." Psalm 33:12

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