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The ancient family name Rackleff derives its name from Rockcliff(e), a village and civil parish in the City of Carlisle district of Cumbria (Cumberland.) Rockcliffe Castle is a township, in the parish of Rockcliff, union of Carlisle, ward and E. division of Cumberland, 5 miles from Carlisle.

"Some remains are still visible of a small castle built by the lords Dacre, which was garrisoned by Leonard Dacre, when in rebellion against Elizabeth, in 1570, and was taken by Lord Hunsdon for the queen." 1

The local literally means "red cliff or bank," from the Viking word "rauthr" + the Old English word "clif." 2 The local was first recorded as Rodcliua in 1185.

Early Origins of the Rackleff family

The surname Rackleff was first found in Cumberland, where they held a family seat on the English/Scottish border. After the Norman Conquest of England many of Duke William's rebellious Barons moved north. The border became a convenient but turbulent no-man's land where the persecuted Many were given land by King Malcolm Canmore and later by King David of Scotland. Some were native Scots. In the 16th century they became known as the 'unruly clans'.

"There is, however, a parish called [Rawcliffe] in Cumberland, formerly Rothcliffe. The manor was anciently the possession of Radulph de Bray, who gave it to William, the son of John de Rothcliff, in the sixth year of King John. Hutchinson's Cumberland. It is to be presumed that there was some family connection between the Brays and the Rothcliffes, and that John de Rawcliffe had resided on the manor previously to this donation." 3

The name was first recorded in England less than ten miles south of the border, about four miles from Carlisle where Elsi de Routecliua (1170 in Yorkshire) and John de Rouclief (1332 in Cumberland). 4

Early History of the Rackleff family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rackleff research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1497 is included under the topic Early Rackleff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rackleff Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Rockcliffe, Rockliff, Rockliffe, Rowcliffe, Roclyff and many more.

Early Notables of the Rackleff family

More information is included under the topic Early Rackleff Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Rackleff family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: James Rowcliffe, who arrived in Ontario in 1871; Edwin Rowcliffe, who came to Ontario in 1871; Robert Rowcliffe, who came to Quebec sometime between 1880 and 1980.

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