Surname Ragel - Meaning and Origin
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Ragel: What does the surname Ragel mean?
The last name Ragel is of German or Ashkenazi Jewish origin, stemming from a surname that was derived from a nickname originally given to people who wore a cloak or cape. In German, the word “Ragel” translates to “cloak” or “mantle” and was likely given to the wearer of a particular type of garment. The Ragel surname is likely a reference to the style of clothing, suggesting that a Ragel was someone who was either fashionable or of the upper-class.
The Ragel surname was also used to refer to affluent royal families and nobility in Europe during the Middle Ages, as well as to distinguish religious orders such as the Knights of Templar. In some cases, these families may also have adopted the Ragel surname as a result of their wealth or social standing.
The Ragels today are still believed to be of German or Jewish origin, with some members of the family having immigrated from Germany to the United States in the early 20th century. The Ragel family name is found primarily in the United States, Canada, and Germany, and suggests a long and proud heritage.
Despite its noble roots, the Ragel name today is typically associated with a sense of sophistication and class. Known for their intelligence and charm, nowadays those named Ragel often hold positions in business, government, and academia, and are noted for their leadership and success.
Order DNA origin analysisRagel: Where does the name Ragel come from?
The Ragel surname is most commonly found in countries that were affected by Jewish diaspora. Primarily, Ragel is a Jewish family name found in countries like Israel, USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Research indicates that the surname originated in Spain in the twelfth century and was subsequently adopted by Sephardic Jews (Jews of Spanish or Portuguese origin). This means that those carrying the Ragel name are descendants of those Jewish people who were expelled from Spain during the Spanish Inquisitions.
Today, the Ragel surname is relatively rare, with many of the family lines happening to have died out. However, in recent times, the name has seen a surge in popularity in Israel. According to an Israel-based genealogical website, between 2000-2005, 45 people with the Ragel surname immigrated to Israel.
In the USA, the Ragel surname is found mainly in Jewish communities, particularly in the states of California and New York. Similarly, in Canada, the Ragel surname is located mainly in the cities of Toronto and Montreal, both considered to be Israel hubs. In the UK, the Ragel surname is also found in Jewish communities located mainly in London. All in all, the Ragel surname is still present nowadays, although it is much rarer than it has been in the past.
Variations of the surname Ragel
The Ragel surname has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, all stemming from the same underlying root. Some of these variants include Raguel, Raggel, Raggelay, Ragayel, Regel, Regell, Ragle, Raglea, and Regala. Each of these variants appears to have its own origin, though all likely derived from the same ragel root.
The original spelling of Ragel was Raguel, which is the Anglicization of the Hebrew name רְעוּאֵל (Rəʿûʾēl). This Hebrew name is derived from the elements רַע (ra) meaning “bad” or “evil” and אֵל (ʾēl) meaning “God” or “divine”—hence the origin of the combined meaning “God is my adversary” or “the enemy of God.”
The Latinized form of this name is Raguel, which is the origin of many of the variants spelling of Ragel. Raguel has been variously anglicized in different parts of the world, which account for many of the different variants. For example, the Italian spelling of Raguel is Raggel, while the Spanish spelling is Ragayel.
The surnames of Regel, Regell, Ragle, Raglea, and Regala have a separate origin, but all likely have derived from the ragel root. Regel has its own Hebrew origin, coming from the Germanic name Reginheri meaning “rule of an army” or “strong army chief.” The other variant spellings likely have similar origins, though further research is necessary to be sure.
Overall, the Ragel surname has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, all stemming from the same underlying root. While further research is necessary to confirm the origins of each of these variant spellings, each is likely derived from the ragel root and has its own unique meaning and history.
Famous people with the name Ragel
- Amanda Ragel: Actress and fashion influencer who has worked with many popular brands and appeared in movies such as "Baywatch" and "Ghostbusters".
- Marla Ragel: Singer-songwriter most known for her song “Ready to Fly”, which peaked at number 35 on the Hot 100 Charts.
- Steve Ragel: Founder and CEO of Pacific Institute, a consultancy based in Washington, DC.
- Sarah Ragel: British tennis player formerly ranked in the world’s top 50.
- Dan Ragel: The current Prime Minister of Israel since 2020.
- Alvaro Ragel: Spanish film director and actor, best known for his feature films "Theater of Fear" and "The Burning Secret".
- Jennifer Ragel: Former figure skater who competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics and won bronze at the 2004 World Championship.
- Clara Ragel: British author and lecturer specializing in the history of magic and witchcraft.
- Madison Ragel: Hollywood actress who has starred in films such as “Breakfast Club” and “Bring it On".
- thomas Ragel: Award-winning independent music producer and engineer, who has worked with artists such as Coldplay and The Killers.