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Ratcliffs Family History

Ratcliffs Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Ratcliff, Ratcliffe, Ratliffe, Ratliff, Radcliffe, Radcliff, Antcliff

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Ratcliffs family from?

You can see how Ratcliffs families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Ratcliffs family name was found in the USA in 1880. In 1880 there were 3 Ratcliffs families living in Michigan. This was about 75% of all the recorded Ratcliffs's in USA. Michigan had the highest population of Ratcliffs families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Ratcliffs 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 Ratcliffs family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 201 census records available for the last name Ratcliffs. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Ratcliffs census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Ratcliffs

Passenger Lists

There are 29 immigration records available for the last name Ratcliffs. 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 Ratcliffs immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 8 military records available for the last name Ratcliffs. For the veterans among your Ratcliffs ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Ratcliffs military records

You've only scratched the surface of Ratcliffs family history

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What is the average Ratcliffs lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Ratcliffs 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.

Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Ratcliffs

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