Ramsdale Family History

In N England, perhaps a variant of Ramsden (1) as suggested by Redmonds Dictionary of Yorks Surnames citing Erasmus Ramsden or Ramsdail 1614–33 in Parish Registers (Addingham WR Yorks). Derivation from Ramsdale (NR Yorks) is also theoretically possible, but Redmonds has been unable to find any evidence that it gave rise to a surname.

For another example where -dale has been substituted for -den, see Baxendale. In the Midlands, occasionally from Ramsdale Farm in Arnold (Notts). The place-name may derive from Old English ramm ‘ram’ (genitive rammes) hramsa ‘wild garlic’ hræfn ‘raven’ (genitive hræfnes) or an Old English personal name *Hræfn (genitive *Hræfnes) + Old Scandinavian dalr ‘valley’.

In Staffs, perhaps a variant of Ransdale (2).