 The family was named after Rákóc (Rakovec, now Rakovec nad Ondavou, Slovakia).The family originated from the Bogátradvány clan which had Bohemian roots, according to Simon of Kéza's chronicle.The foundations for the family's wealth and power were laid down by Sigismund Rákóczi; some decades into the 17th century, the Rákóczis became the wealthiest aristocrats of Hungary.