Surname Ratledge - Meaning and Origin
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Ratledge: What does the surname Ratledge mean?
The surname Ratledge is of Anglo-Saxon origin and appears to be topographical, referring to a specific location or feature in the landscape. It has two elements: "Rat" or "Ræt," which may derive from a personal name or possibly refer to a creature such as a rat, and "ledge" or "lecg," an Old English term meaning a ledge or a ridge. Therefore, the name Ratledge could mean "ridge where rats are found" or "Rat's ridge". It is also possible that the name derived from a place that was known by this name. Like many surnames, interpretations and origins can vary, as names were often formed based on a person's occupation, place of dwelling, or other identifying features.
Order DNA origin analysisRatledge: Where does the name Ratledge come from?
The last name Ratledge is relatively uncommon today, though it may be found in some parts of England. According to the first United States records, the earliest known bearer of the surname Ratledge was a British settler who came to the Virginia colony in the year 1620. Since then, Ratledge family members have spread across the US and the world.
In the United States today, Ratledge is most prevalent in the southern states of North Carolina (1,591 documented residents leading the total), followed by Texas (620), Georgia (344), Tennessee (275) and Alabama (236). Outside of America, the Ratledge surname is present in England, Scotland, Canada, Australia, Africa and India.
The origins of the Ratledge surname are unknown, but genetic analysis of DNA has revealed that the Ratledge family originated from one individual who lived between 1200 and 1400. Though there can be many variations of the spelling, the family is generally accepted as being of English origin.
Given the spread of the Ratledge surname, it is likely to be found in other countries and regions as well. But today the Ratledge family is most prevalent in the southern United States.
Variations of the surname Ratledge
The surname Ratledge is derived from the original family name Redeleghe or Ratleghe. This old English surname is derived from the Rede or Ratte which is a geographical location that largely exists in the county of Kent in England.
Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Redeleghe, Radleigh, Redleghe, Redleigh, Redlegh, Radleghe, Ratlegh and Ratley. Other variations are Ratli, Rattley, Ratly, Redli, Radliegh, Ratlege, Ratelegh, Ratly, Ratoglobin, Rhodliegh, Rudlaugh, and Ratlay.
In some instances, it can be spelt as Ratledge, Ratledg or Ratlidge, meaning red forest clearing. The origins of this surname can be traced back to early Medieval England, where it originated from a small area of Kent known as Redleghe. Many of the original Redleghe family members migrated to the Midlands, Yorkshire and Northamptonshire regions of England as early as the late 1300s.
Over the centuries, the Ratledge surname evolved into many variations as spelling was still an evolving practice in many parts of England during this period. The name can also be found in other parts of the counties, such as Cumberland, Durham, Leicestershire, Lancashire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and elsewhere.
Today, the Ratledge surname is still present throughout England, Ireland, and parts of the United States. Many of the variants of Ratledge are still found in the Midlands, Yorkshire and Northamptonshire regions of England, in particular.
Famous people with the name Ratledge
- Pat Ratledge: American soccer player
- Virginia Ratledge: American actress who appeared in the movie “Better Off Dead” 3.Demarcus Ratledge: American NFL football player 4.Wes Ratledge: American basketball player 5.Tim Ratledge: British musician and bandleader
- Steve Ratledge: British racing driver 7.John Ratledge: English footballer 8.James Ratledge: British sculptor 9.Rob Ratledge: American actor 10.David Ratledge: British composer and jazz trumpeter