Radcliffe Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Radcliffe come from? What does the surname Radcliffe mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Radcliffe and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Radcliffe Origin: What does the last name Radcliffe mean?
The surname Radcliffe originated in England, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the early 12th century. Derived from English roots, Radcliffe has historical significance in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, where it was most prevalent during the 12th to 15th centuries. By the 16th century, records of the Radcliffe surname began to appear in other countries, but England remained a primary location associated with the name.
YourRoots data indicates that the Radcliffe surname has seen a shift in prominence over the centuries. While England was once the main hub for Radcliffe records, the United States emerged as a significant location for the surname by the 19th century. Presently, the Radcliffe surname can be found in both the United States and the United Kingdom, with the United States leading in terms of the volume of records. This transatlantic presence highlights the global spread and enduring legacy of the Radcliffe surname across different regions and cultures.
Radcliffe Last Name History: Where did the last name Radcliffe come from?
Origin of Radcliffe Surname: Where does the last name Radcliffe originate from?
According to the data provided by YourRoots, the surname Radcliffe was first recorded in the United Kingdom, specifically in England, around the early 12th century. Please note that this data only reflects the exact spelling of "Radcliffe" in the YourRoots database and does not include any variations of the surname or other sources.
History of the Last Name Radcliffe: What does the Radcliffe surname history look like in the early days?
Throughout the 12th to 15th centuries, the frequency of records with the Radcliffe surname was most significant in England, according to YourRoots' data. During the 16th century, there was a noticeable increase in records in other countries, however, England persisted as the dominant location for the Radcliffe surname.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Radcliffe surname today?
By the 19th century, the United States became the country with the highest volume of records for the Radcliffe surname, surpassing England. Today, according to YourRoots data, the Radcliffe surname can be found in the United States and the United Kingdom, with the United States currently leading in terms of the volume of records.
Explore Radcliffe last name heritage and Radcliffe surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Radcliffe Surame?
Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Jacob Radcliffe (July 23, 1989 - present) is an English actor who gained fame for his role as Harry Potter in the blockbuster film series. Starting at just age 10, Radcliffe starred in all eight movies, captivating audiences worldwide. Beyond Hogwarts, he showcased his talent on stage, receiving critical acclaim for his performances in various plays and musicals. Radcliffe has also taken on diverse film roles, from horror to comedy, showcasing his versatility. Apart from his acting career, he is known for his philanthropy work and advocacy for LGBTQ youth. With a successful career spanning decades, Radcliffe continues to be a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Timothy Radcliffe
Timothy Peter Joseph Radcliffe (born Aug 22, 1945) is an English Catholic priest known for his role as Master of the Order of Preachers from 1992 to 2001. He was appointed as a member of the College of Cardinals by Pope Francis in 2024. Radcliffe has been a strong advocate for social justice and human rights, serving as the director of the Las Casas Institute. He has written several theological books and received honors for his contributions to theological writing. Radcliffe continues to be active in public speaking and is involved in various charitable organizations.
Paula Radcliffe
Paula Jane Radcliffe MBE (born Dec 17, 1973) is a British former long-distance runner known for her impressive marathon career. Radcliffe won the London Marathon three times and the New York Marathon three times. She also held the Women's World Marathon Record for 16 years. Radcliffe represented Great Britain at four Olympics and received numerous accolades for her running achievements, including the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award and being named IAAF World Athlete of the Year. She retired from competitive running in 2015, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of distance running.
Ann Radcliffe
Ann Ward Radcliffe (July 9, 1764 – February 7, 1823) was an English novelist known for her pioneering work in Gothic fiction. She gained fame in the 1790s for her novels, including the popular "The Mysteries of Udolpho." Radcliffe was hailed as the "mighty enchantress" and the Shakespeare of romance writers in her time. Despite her success, she chose to live privately for the last 26 years of her life, traveling with her husband and continuing to write. Radcliffe's legacy has been revived in the 21st century, with renewed interest in her life and work through biographies.
Cyril Radcliffe, 1st Viscount Radcliffe
Cyril John Radcliffe, 1st Viscount Radcliffe (30 Mar 1899 – 1 Apr 1977) was a British lawyer known for his role in the Partition of India. He served as the first chancellor of the University of Warwick and was a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary. Radcliffe's boundary committees split Punjab and Bengal, leading to mass migration and violence. Despite the controversy, he refused his salary and was honored for his service. Radcliffe chaired public inquiries, wrote books, and proposed constitutional reforms. His legacy is remembered for his contributions to law, public service, and global affairs.
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