Surname Ratlive - Meaning and Origin

Ratlive: What does the surname Ratlive mean?

The last name Ratlive is of French origin and is derived from the Middle French word “Ratelve” which translates to “rat”. The surname Ratlive was likely acquired by families who lived in rural regions with high populations of rodents. Over the centuries, this name has been adapted in various languages including French, Catalan, and Spanish.

The original meaning of this surname could possibly refer to someone who was an occupational rat catcher – someone who captured rodents for money. Furthermore, the Ratlive name has been found in a variety of spellings, such as Rattle, Rattleby, Rattycliff, and Ratzler. All these spellings point to a connection with rats.

Since the name Ratlive is derived from the French word “Ratelve”, it is likely that it has been associated with rats for quite some time. It is possible that the Ratlive family are descendants of a single family who were rat catchers many centuries ago. Furthermore, the term “rat” has been used to describe someone who is untrustworthy or sly in a sneaky way – which could also be an apt description of the Ratlive surname.

The Ratlive family had many different callings and professions, including paper mills, weavers, and even some who ventured abroad. Over the centuries, this family has adapted to whatever environment they find themselves in. Moreover, the Ratlive family is known for being humble and caring – always looking to look after their own. No matter what their origins, the Ratlive name has certainly made its mark in history.

Ratlive: Where does the name Ratlive come from?

The Ratlive surname is of German origin and is found mainly in the US, Canada, Germany, and other parts of Europe. In the US, the Ratlive surname is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, where the name is concentrated in the Pittsburgh area. It is also found in other parts of the country including Georgia, Missouri, Oregon, Connecticut, Virginia, and California.

In Germany, Ratlive is found mainly in the northern states of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In these states, Ratlive is not a particularly rare name and is often seen in small, rural towns such as Warin, Marne, and Passee.

In Canada, the Ratlive surname is concentrated mainly within the province of Ontario, particularly in the cities of Toronto and Ottawa. In Europe, Ratlive can be found in Switzerland, Austria, and Italy.

Overall, the Ratlive surname is not particularly rare, with people bearing the name in numerous countries around the world. However, family connections are often lost over time due to migrations and other factors. Nevertheless, the Ratlive name can still be found in many places today.

Variations of the surname Ratlive

Ratlive is a rare surname that originates from German and Eastern European roots. Variations of the name have existed since at least the 17th century and include Ratlev, Ratliff, Ratcliff, and Ratcliffe.

The surname Ratlive is believed to be a local name, which is a name that originates from a place-name. It is a habitational name, derived from the Old Transport fortress and town of Ratle-Fuste (Ratle meaning rat and Fuste meaning armament or military outfit).

Other variations throughout the centuries include Ratliffe, Ratleve, Ratlyf, Raliff, Ratliffe, Ratfly, Ratflye, Ratley, Ratzleff, Ratlaug, Ratlawe, Ratlave and Ratile.

The spelling Ratlive is slightly more common in German records than the English spellings of Ratliff/Ratliffe/Ratliffe. It is possible to trace Ratlive immigrants to the United States of America in the 18th and 19th centuries, where they were employed mainly in Colonial industries such as smithing, farming and carpentry.

In the United Kingdom, the surname is usually found in the north of England and Scotland. Records from the 1881 census show a higher concentration in Lancashire and Cumberland than anywhere else.

The surnames Ratlive, Ratlev, Ratliff, Ratcliff and Ratcliffe all mean "red cliff" or "red fortress". As such, they can all be regarded as having the same origin. Nevertheless, there is a diverse range of spellings of the surname throughout the centuries, so if you have an interest in researching your Ratlive ancestors, it is worth checking all possible variations.

Famous people with the name Ratlive

• Mark Ratliff: professional American basketball player who has played for the Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls, and Boston Celtics during his career.
• Reuben W. Ratliff: early twentieth-century inventor who made improvements to the automobile industry.
• Will Ratliff: former professional baseball pitcher who played in the Major League Baseball in the early 2000s.
• Carla Ratliff: American actress best known for her role as Gloria in the television series Family Matters.
• William Ratliff: retired American Navy Lieutenant Commander who also served as a member of the United States Congress from the state of Virginia.
• Bill Ratliff: former Lieutenant Governor of Texas who served from 2000 to 2003.
• James Ratliff: American sculptor, painter, and photographer.
• Diane Ratliff: award-winning author of books for young adult and middle grade readers.
• Melinda Ratliff: contemporary American artist whose work has been featured in numerous galleries and museums.
• P.J. Ratliff: American professional golfer, who has won four Nationwide Tour titles and competed in all four major championships.

Other surnames

RatliefRatliffRatliffe