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Rathford Family History

Rathford Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Rachford, Ratchford, Radford, Rochford, Ashford, Rushford, Rayford

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Rathford family from?

You can see how Rathford families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Rathford family name was found in the USA between 1880 and 1920. The most Rathford families were found in USA in 1880. In 1880 there were 7 Rathford families living in Pennsylvania. This was about 35% of all the recorded Rathford's in USA. Pennsylvania had the highest population of Rathford families in 1880.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Rathford surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
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What Rathford family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 313 census records available for the last name Rathford. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Rathford census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Rathford

Passenger Lists

There are 82 immigration records available for the last name Rathford. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in Canada, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Rathford immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 24 military records available for the last name Rathford. For the veterans among your Rathford ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Rathford military records

You've only scratched the surface of Rathford family history

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What is the average Rathford lifespan?

Between 1963 and 1986, in the United States, Rathford life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1963, and highest in 1973. The average life expectancy for Rathford in 1963 was 66, and 74 in 1986.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Rathford

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Rathford ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

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