Ringrose

This interesting and unusual name, first recorded in Norwich in the mid 13th Century, is believed to have originated as a topographical name from residence by a circular cairn or row of houses on a circular cairn or row of houses on a circular defence structure. The derivation in the first instance is from the Old Norse "Kringr", circular or round, plus the Old Norse "hreysi", a cairn. The component elements of the name may also be the Old English pre 7th Century "hring", a circular entrenchment or stone circle, plus "raew", a row (of houses etc.). A rather romantic origin traditionally held by some namebearers is a nickname from a ring supposedly given by Queen Elizabeth 1 to Richard Rose of Hampshire or Dorset as a reward for distinguished military service, however, the surname is recorded three Centuries prior to Elizabeth's reign. Early recordings include John Ringros (Cumberland 1332), and William Ringrose, (Lincolnshire, 1535). The name is associated with East Clare, Ireland, since 1699. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Ringrose, which was dated 1259, "A Calendar of Deeds relating Norwich", during the reign of King Henry 111, "The Frenchman", 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.