The origin of the name Ramsey is Huntingdon, Scotland where they settled and were rewarded with large tracts of land by William of Normandy for their attendance and performance in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

The Ramsey family name comes from the place of the same name, derived from the word "Hramada" which means "garlic" and the word "eg" which means "island".

Some variations of this surname are: Ramsay, Ramsey and others.