| Ramsay | |
|---|---|
 The arms of Counts Ramsey [1] | |
| Parent house | Clan Ramsay |
| Country | Sweden, Finland, Russian Empire |
| Motto | Ora et labora |
The Ramsay family is a Swedish and Finnish noble family of Scottish origin. The family members bear the title of Baron in the Finnish nobility. [2]
Members of the Ramsay clan relocated to Sweden during the 16th century. Captain Alexander Ramsay, who died in 1576, entered Swedish service in 1573. His son, Johan (also known as Hans) Ramsay, who died in 1649, served as the master of the horse for the Adelsbanan in Finland. Johan's children were considered naturalized by birth and were introduced on July 15, 1634, into the third class, known as the journeyman class, by drawing lots, being assigned number 188 (currently number 215) at the House of Nobility in Stockholm. The family was promoted to the re-established second class, known as the knight class, on November 3, 1778. [3]
In 1809, the Russian Empire conquered Finland from Sweden during the Finnish War, and Russian Emperor Alexander I formed the Grand Duchy of Finland. Branches of the Ramsay family were enrolled in the Finnish House of Nobility on February 7, 1818, under number 17 among the nobles, and these branches continue to exist today. Additionally, one branch was elevated to baronial dignity on September 7, 1856, and was introduced as barons on October 8, 1857, under number 40, and this branch also survives to the present day. [3] [4] [5]