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Rayter Family History

Rayter 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: Rayner, Rater, Rayer, Hayter, Raiter, Raymer, Rayder, Raxter, Rafter

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Rayter family from?

You can see how Rayter families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Rayter family name was found in the USA, and Canada between 1911 and 1920. The most Rayter families were found in USA in 1920, and Canada in 1911. In 1911 there were 3 Rayter families living in Prince Edward Island. This was 100% of all the recorded Rayter's in Canada. Prince Edward Island had the highest population of Rayter families in 1911.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Rayter 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 Rayter family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 251 census records available for the last name Rayter. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Rayter census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search Canadian census records for Rayter

Passenger Lists

There are 126 immigration records available for the last name Rayter. 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 Rayter immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 29 military records available for the last name Rayter. For the veterans among your Rayter ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Rayter military records

You've only scratched the surface of Rayter family history

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What is the average Rayter lifespan?

Between 2000 and 2003, in the United States, Rayter life expectancy was at its lowest point in 2002, and highest in 2003. The average life expectancy for Rayter in 2000 was 77, and 78 in 2003.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Rayter

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Rayter 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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