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Ratchford Family History

Ratchford Surname Meaning

English:: habitational name from Rochford (Worcestershire) from Old English ræcc ‘hunting dog’ (genitive ræcces) + ford ‘ford’. habitational name from Rochford (Essex). Early forms of the name ending in Ro- suggest that the placename derives from Old English hrōc ‘rook’ or the Old English personal name Hrōc(a) + Old English ford ‘ford’.

However, the 13th century forms in Ra- and Re- suggest that the first element is Old English ræcc ‘hunting dog’. This evolution of the name highlights the linguistic changes and influences that have occurred over centuries.

The variation in place names and their etymologies illustrates the rich historical tapestry of the English language. Each form represents a different aspect of local history and geography.

These developments not only serve as a linguistic record but also as a reflection of cultural significance in the naming of places.

Understanding such names can provide insight into the history and evolution of local communities within England.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


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Where is the Ratchford family from?

You can see how Ratchford families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Ratchford family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Ratchford families were found in USA in 1880. In 1891 there were 111 Ratchford families living in Lancashire. This was about 47% of all the recorded Ratchford's in United Kingdom. Lancashire had the highest population of Ratchford families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Ratchford surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
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What did your Ratchford ancestors do for a living?

In 1939, General Labourer and Unpaid Domestic Duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the United Kingdom named Ratchford. 53% of Ratchford men worked as a General Labourer and 75% of Ratchford women worked as an Unpaid Domestic Duties. Some less common occupations for Americans named Ratchford were Builders Labourer and Unpaid House Duties.

View Census Data for Ratchford | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Top Male Occupations In 1939

  • General Labourer
    53%
  • Plasterer
    12%
  • Railway Lorry Driver
    12%
  • Builders Labourer
    12%

Top Female Occupations In 1939

  • Unpaid Domestic Duties
    75%
  • Fustian Weaver Cotton
    3%
  • Domestic Duties
    3%
  • Unpaid House Duties
    3%

What Ratchford family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 11,000 census records available for the last name Ratchford. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Ratchford census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Ratchford

Passenger Lists

There are 1,000 immigration records available for the last name Ratchford. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Ratchford immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 2,000 military records available for the last name Ratchford. For the veterans among your Ratchford ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Ratchford military records

You've only scratched the surface of Ratchford family history

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What is the average Ratchford lifespan?

Between 1947 and 2004, in the United States, Ratchford life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1955, and highest in 2002. The average life expectancy for Ratchford in 1947 was 56, and 77 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Ratchford

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Ratchford ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

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