The ancient Scottish name Retfert was first used by the Strathclyde-Briton people of the Scottish/English Borderlands. The original bearer of the name lived in Midlothian. However, the Retfert family name comes from any of several place names in England called Redford, from Old English re-ad meaning "red" and ford, meaning "a place where a river can be crossed."
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Early Origins of the Retfert family
The surname Retfert was first found in Midlothian, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.
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Early History of the Retfert family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Retfert research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1404, 1535, 1547, 1611, 1612 and 1688 are included under the topic Early Retfert History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Retfert Spelling Variations
The many spelling variations in Medieval Scottish names result from the fact that scribes in that era spelled words according to sound. Translation too, was an undeveloped science, and many names were altered into complete obscurity. Over the years Retfert has been spelled Redford, Redfurd, Rudford, Reidford and others.
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Early Notables of the Retfert family
Notable amongst the family at this time was Sir Henry Redford (died 1404), English politician, Speaker of the House of Commons, who came of a family long settled in Lindsey, Lincolnshire; and John Redford (died 1547), a... Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Retfert Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Retfert family
To escape the uncertainties and discrimination faced in Scotland, many decided to head out for North America. Once they arrived, many Scots fought with relish in the American War of Independence; some went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Many ancestors of these Scots have recovered their lost national heritage in the 20th century through Clan organizations and Scottish historical societies. Among the settlers to North America were: John Redford settled in Bermuda in 1635; James, John and Thomas Redford all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1870.
Scotland
England
