Origin & Meaning of the Ratchford Surname
What does the last name Ratchford mean?
The surname Ratchford carries the meaning "From a river crossing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,083 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ratchford ranks as the #14,358 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ratchford come from?
The Ratchford surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Ratchford name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ratchford trace back to Old English. 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 | Ratchford |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a river crossing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,358 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,083 |
| Per 100K People | 0.71 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Ratchford
According to the US Census, the Ratchford surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,083 Americans with the Ratchford last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.7% |
| Black | 25.54% |
| Hispanic | 1.68% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 2.16% |
Popularity of Ratchford Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ratchford surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ratchford surname increased by 49 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ratchford
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