Origin of the surname Ratcliff

This surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is a locational name from any of the various places throughout England named with the Olde English pre 7th Century "read", red, with "clif", cliff, slope, riverbank. These places include: Ratcliffe (Curley) and Ratcliff (on the Wreak), Leicestershire, recorded respectively as "Redeclive" and "Radeclive" in the Domesday Book of 1086; Ratcliff (upon Soar), Nottinghamshire, and Ratcliff in Middlesex; also, Radcliffe in Lancashire and Nottinghamshire; Radclive, Berkshire, appearing as "Radeclive" in the Domesday Book, and Redcliff, Somerset.

Locational surnames were developed when former inhabitants of a place moved to another area, usually to seek work, and were best identified by the name of their birthplace. Early examples of the surname include: William de Radeclive (Lancashire, 1278) and Robert de Radeclyf (Yorkshire, 1313). Among the recordings of the name in London Church Registers is the marriage of Edmund Ratclyff and Agneta Haycock, at St. Andrew's, Enfield, on August 17th 1561, and the christening of John, son of Richard Ratcliff, at St. Botolph without Aldgate, on November 21st 1596. An early Coat of Arms granted to a Ratcliff family of Warwickshire and Leicestershire depicts a black engrailed bend on a white shield. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Walter de Radecliva, which was dated 1182, in the "Pipe Rolls of Devonshire", during the reign of King Henry 11, known as "The Builder of Churches", 1154 - 1189. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Ratcliff. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

The history of the surname ratcliff is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of ratcliff. Research into the possible origins of ratcliff leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname ratcliff, and in addition to the original locations of ratcliff, we can find out where people with the surname ratcliff can currently be found.

The surname Ratcliff around the world

It is common for surnames like ratcliff to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that ratcliff has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where ratcliff is most abundant are the following. The mobility of people carrying the surname ratcliff has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.

History of Ratcliff

The historical journey of the surname ratcliff can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of ratcliff. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named ratcliff are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname ratcliff are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective.

You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname ratcliff, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of ratcliff could be modified. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname ratcliff or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of ratcliff.

Notable Figures Named Ratcliff

Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all ratcliffs who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname ratcliff, even though not all have been documented to our present day. A surname like ratcliff can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname ratcliff who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Ratcliff and its bibliographic sources

It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname ratcliff. The bibliography collects information related to the surname ratcliff, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname ratcliff, as well as many other surnames.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of ratcliff, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Ratcliff