Rathbone

Origin and Meaning: Rathbone is an English surname derived from the Old French name 'Radburne' or 'Radbourne', which means 'red stream'. The name likely originally referred to a person who lived near a red stream or river.

History: The Rathbone surname has ancient origins in England, particularly in the region of Cheshire. The name has been recorded in various forms over the centuries, including Ratbourne, Rathbun, and Radbourne. It is believed that the Rathbone family has Norman roots and was influential in the areas where they resided.

Notable Individuals: One of the most well-known figures with the surname Rathbone is Basil Rathbone (1892–1967), a celebrated British actor best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in film adaptations. Rathbone's talent and iconic portrayal of the famous detective have solidified his place in cinematic history.

Modern Day: In contemporary times, the Rathbone surname continues to be found in various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond. Many individuals bearing the name Rathbone have excelled in diverse fields, contributing to society in areas such as the arts, academia, and business. The name remains a reminder of the heritage and legacy of the families that have carried it through generations.

There are approximately 3,344 people named Rathbone in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,722nd most common surname in Britain. Around 51 in a million people in Britain are named Rathbone.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Alison
  • Caroline
  • Christine
  • Deborah
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Julie
  • Kathleen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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