Ragnars

Ragnars is a surname of Old Norse origin, meaning "counsel of the gods" or "wise counsel". It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Reginheri, composed of the elements "regin" meaning "counsel, advice" and "heri" meaning "army, warrior". The name was popularized by the legendary Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, a figure whose historical existence is debated but who features prominently in sagas and chronicles. Over time, Ragnars evolved from a personal name into a patronymic, indicating descent from an ancestor named Ragnar.

The surname Ragnars is most commonly found in Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, reflecting its Norse roots. It can also be found in communities with historical Scandinavian settlement, such as parts of the United Kingdom and North America. Variations of the surname exist, often reflecting regional linguistic differences or the passage of time. Examples include Ragnarsson, meaning "son of Ragnar," and other phonetic adaptations. Due to emigration, the Ragnars surname is now distributed globally, though its strongest concentrations remain in its ancestral homelands. Research into the specific lineage of individuals with the Ragnars surname often involves tracing genealogical records back to medieval Scandinavia.