This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Refness family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Refness Family History

Refness 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: Rogness, Jenness, Henness, Reines, Reiners, Respess, Rennels, Veness

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Refness family from?

Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Refness surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Family Insights Distribution Map

What Refness family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 15 census records available for the last name Refness. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Refness census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Refness

Passenger Lists

There are 642 immigration records available for the last name Refness. 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 Refness immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 3 military records available for the last name Refness. For the veterans among your Refness ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Refness military records

You've only scratched the surface of Refness family history

Discover More

What is the average Refness lifespan?

Between 1973 and 1988, in the United States, Refness life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1973, and highest in 1985. The average life expectancy for Refness in 1973 was 73, and 80 in 1988.

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Refness 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.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Refness family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial