Surname Ratge - Meaning and Origin

Ratge: What does the surname Ratge mean?

The last name Ratge has its origins in Germany, where it is derived from the Middle High German word "rattinc," meaning "messenger." This likely provided the basis for the spelling change to Ratge. It became a common surname in the region, mainly due to its association with important posts in medieval towns. The Ratge family would often serve as messengers between cities and villages, traveling long distances to deliver important news and documents.

Due to the prestige associated with the position, many families adopted the surname as a means of displaying their social status and respectability. Those with the Ratge name were likely able to overcome the barriers of class and privilege more easily than other families.

The Ratge last name is still commonly found throughout Germany, particularly in the regions of North Rhine-Westphalia and Hessen. Today, bearers of the name are likely of mixed German and ancient Jewish backgrounds, due to the prevalence of intermarriage in those regions.

Regardless of its origins, the Ratge name has come to signify a bearer’s courage, strength, and determination. It is a reminder of the hardworking and resilient individuals who adopted it centuries ago, and who forever changed the course of many people’s lives.

Ratge: Where does the name Ratge come from?

The last name Ratge is most commonly found in Germany, though it is also found in Austria, Switzerland, and other northern European countries. It is believed that the surname has Germanic roots, possibly originating with the word "radag," which is of uncertain origin but may refer to a council or a court. While uncommon today, Ratge was the equivalent of nobility in the Middle Ages. Members of the Ratge family paid taxes to the Bishop of Bamberg in the 13th century, indicating a long history in the area.

In modern day Germany, Ratge is known as a surname, though it is not especially common. It is recorded throughout Germany but is especially prominent in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Saxony, and Thuringia. In some large cities such as Cologne, Munich, and Stuttgart, small numbers of Ratges can be found living in these areas. Over the centuries, some of the Ratge family members have migrated to the United States and Canada. A number of people bearing the name Ratge have also been recorded in Florida, California, and Texas, suggesting that they may have emigrated to these states in search of opportunities or due to other reasons.

Overall, the Ratge name is uncommon today but is associated with Germany’s long and storied history. Those who bear this surname can look to their past for an appreciation of the family’s unique and remarkable history.

Variations of the surname Ratge

Ratge is an uncommon German surname. The variants of Ratge include Ratgey, Ratghe and Ratgea. All of these variants are phonetically similar to the original surname, Ratge, and likely derived from the same origin.

The spelling of Ratge can also be seen as Ratgeh, Ratgha or Ratgue. These are more modern spellings and could be related to either the original surname or the other variants.

The surnames Ratgey, Ratghe and Ratgey are all of the same origin, however the spelling Ratgey is more commonly found in Germany and Austria. The spelling Ratghe is more commonly found in Switzerland and other parts of Europe.

Variations of the Ratge surname can also be seen as Ratgen, Ratgier, Ratgeb, Ratgut, Ratgi or Ratgez. These variations are commonly found in Scandinavia.

Other surnames that share the same origin as Ratge include Ratz, Ratzmann, Ratzen and Ratzenbacher. These variants are primarily found in Germany and Austria.

In conclusion, the surname Ratge has a variety of spellings and surnames of the same origin. These variants come from a variety of countries in Europe, such as Germany, Austria and Scandinavia.

Famous people with the name Ratge

• Kaili Ratge: Kaili Ratge is an American actress best known for her works in films such as “Too Late” (2020), “Beatriz at Dinner” (2017), and “This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous” (2015).
• Ute Ratge: Ute Ratge is a German actress known for her roles in television series such as “Island of Us” (2018-2020) and “Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten” (2002-2005).
• Katja Ratge: Katja Ratge is a German BBQ master and cookbook author. Her work includes “BBQ Likes: Saucing Out Loud” (2015), “Crazy BBQ: Smoke It, Burn It, Grill It Like a Pro” (2019), and “BBQ Art of Eating” (2020).
• Fred Ratge: Fred Ratge is an American singer and songwriter. His albums include “Trouble Sleeping” (2010) and “The Black Train Mama” (2012).
• Lauri Ratge: Lauri Ratge is an Estonian film actor best known for his roles in “Tangerines” (2013) and “The End of The Chain” (2015).
• Reuti Ratge: Reuti Ratge is a Swiss-born artist who works in illustration, printmaking, and contemporary art. His works have been exhibited in galleries in Switzerland, France, and the United States.
• Cameran Ratge: Cameran Ratge is an American director and producer. He has directed films such as “The Innocent” (2018) and “Down the Shore” (2017).
• Elvira Ratge: Elvira Ratge is an Argentinian actress best known for her roles in television series such as “Garage Olimpo” (1999) and “Aguirre” (2000).
• Reiko Ratge: Reiko Ratge is a Japanese-Swedish actress and author. She is known for her works in television shows such as “Elevportalen” (2009) and “Kärlek och Anarki” (2013).

Other surnames

Ratgeber