Originating from the southern California area in the United States, the Ragdoll breed gained its name by the animals' tendency to go limp when picked up as well as for their general tendencies to rest in that kind of bent position.
Ann Baker, a Persian cat breeder, developed the Ragdoll in the 1960s starting with the offspring of a domestic long-haired white cat named Josephine, selecting for positive temperaments, pleasing looks, and non-matting fur.