Origin & Meaning of the Radcliffe Surname
What does the last name Radcliffe mean?
The surname Radcliffe carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,948 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Radcliffe ranks as the #5,812 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Radcliffe come from?
The Radcliffe surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Radcliffe name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Radcliffe trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Radcliffe |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,812 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,948 |
| Per 100K People | 2.02 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Radcliffe
According to the US Census, the Radcliffe surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,948 Americans with the Radcliffe last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.74% |
| Black | 8.68% |
| Hispanic | 2.82% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 1.93% |
Popularity of Radcliffe Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Radcliffe surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Radcliffe surname decreased by 28 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Radcliffe Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Radcliffe ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Radcliffe Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Radcliffe
- ✓ The Radcliffe coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Radcliffe families live today
- ✓ Notable Radcliffe bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Radcliffe
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Radcliffe.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Radcliffe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radcliffe
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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