Ramstad
A Norwegian surname derived from the Old Norse words "ram" (ram or male sheep) and "stadr" (place or farm), likely denoting an ancestral location or residence.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 617 Americans carry the last name Ramstad. That puts it at #41,164 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.18 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 555,518 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Ramstad surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
617
1 in 555,518
Census rank
#41,164
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.2
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
529
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 529 bearers of the surname Ramstad in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.18 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 41164th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Ramstad, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.0%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (2.5%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (1.5%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Ramstad
The surname Ramstad is of Norwegian origin, tracing its roots back to the medieval period. Derived from the Old Norse words "ramr," meaning "strong" or "brave," and "stadr," signifying a place or location, it suggests a connection to a person or place renowned for strength and valor.
The earliest documented instances of the Ramstad surname can be found in records from the 13th and 14th centuries, primarily concentrated in the western coastal regions of Norway. These areas were known for their robust maritime traditions and the hardiness of their inhabitants, lending credence to the name's connotations of fortitude.
One of the earliest known bearers of the Ramstad name was Thorvald Ramstad, a Norwegian seafarer and explorer who embarked on voyages to Greenland and Vinland (present-day Newfoundland, Canada) in the late 10th century. His name is recorded in the Icelandic sagas, which recount the exploits of Norse adventurers during this era.
In the 15th century, the Ramstad surname appeared in the Diplomatarium Norvegicum, a collection of medieval Norwegian documents and charters. This suggests that the name had gained a degree of prominence and recognition within Norwegian society by that time.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, several individuals bearing the Ramstad surname played notable roles in Norwegian history. Ingrid Ramstad (1550-1621) was a renowned herbalist and healer, renowned for her knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional remedies. Halvor Ramstad (1612-1689) was a respected Lutheran clergyman and theologian who served as the Bishop of Bergen from 1675 until his death.
In more recent times, the name Ramstad has been associated with notable figures in various fields. Knut Ramstad (1844-1924) was a prominent Norwegian politician and statesman who served as the Prime Minister of Norway from 1892 to 1893. Sigrid Ramstad (1874-1958) was a celebrated Norwegian artist and painter, known for her vibrant depictions of rural life and landscapes.
While the Ramstad surname has its origins in Norway, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and cultural diffusion. However, its Norwegian roots and associations with strength, bravery, and resilience remain deeply ingrained in its historical legacy.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Ramstad
Among Census respondents with the surname Ramstad, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.0%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (2.5%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (1.5%).
The bar chart below shows how Ramstad bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Ramstad surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White94.0%
- Two or more races2.5%
- Asian and Pacific Islander1.5%
- Hispanic or Latino1.1%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Ramstad surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #41,164 | #41,164 | 0.0% |
| Count | 529 | 529 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.18 | 0.18 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Ramstad bearers went from 529 to 529 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #41,164 to #41,164.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Ramstad
FAQ
Ramstad surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Ramstad?
The surname Ramstad holds position #41,164 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 617 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.18 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Ramstad surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Ramstad, the largest self-reported group is White at 94.0%. The next largest groups are Two or More Races (2.5%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (1.5%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.