Meaning: Its source is hramsa eg, an Old English name meaning "Garlic island."

Languages: This boy's name is used in English and Scots Gaelic.

Alternative Spellings: Ramsey

Narrative: While all authorities agree that the second part of this name refers to an island, there is much disagreement about the meaning of the first part. Alternate interpretations include two from Old English -- ''raven island'' and ''ram island'' -- and one from Old Norse -- ''strong island.''