The Ratliff Family History

What Does the Ratliff Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Ratliff is of English origin, deriving from the Old English components ‘read’ and ‘clif,’ which translate to a riverbank or cliff. Variations in the spelling of Ratliff include Radcliffe, Ratcliff, and Radcliff. In England, the Ratliff surname is predominantly found in the southeastern part of the country, with notable concentrations in the counties of Essex, Suffolk, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, and the city of London. In the United States, the Ratliff surname emerged in states such as Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio, and Alabama. Noteworthy individuals bearing this surname include Tommy Joe Ratliff, a musician known for his work as a bass guitarist; Jay Ratliff, a professional football player; Theophilus Curtis “Theo” Ratliff, a former professional basketball player; William Roark Ratliff, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Texas; and Cecil Wayne Ratliff, recognized as the developer of the Vulcan database program.