Summary

The surname Ratcliff is of English origin and is derived from a place name meaning 'red cliff'. It is believed to have originated in the Yorkshire region of England. The history of the Ratcliff surname can be traced back to medieval times.
There are
10497
Ratcliffs in the USA
Ratcliff is the
3409th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Ratcliff

JohnRatcliffe

English settler who served as one of the leaders of the Jamestown colony in Virginia, 1608-1609.

RobertRatcliffe

English militant leader and conspirator involved in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

ElizabethRatcliffe

English noblewoman and one of the devout recusants during the Protestant Reformation.

DavidRatcliffe

American businessman and former Chairman and CEO of the Southern Company, a major electric utility company.

WesleyRatcliff

American painter known for his realistic landscapes and seascapes, active in the late 19th century.

MarthaRatcliffe

American suffragist and women's rights activist who played a significant role in the suffrage movement.

EdwardRatcliff

English cricketer who played as a right-handed batsman and served as a captain for various teams.

Ratcliff Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Ratcliff' has English origins.
Geographic DistributionThe Ratcliff surname is associated with various geographic locations, including England and the United States.
VariationsThe surname 'Ratcliff' may have spelling variations such as 'Radcliffe', 'Radcliff', and 'Radclyffe'.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration related to the surname 'Ratcliff' occurred during different periods and in various places. Some notable migration and immigration events include the movement of Ratcliff families from England to the American colonies during the colonial period, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Additionally, Ratcliff individuals and families may have migrated internally within England due to factors such as urbanization, industrialization, and economic opportunities.