RATHBURN
Rathburn
Origin and Meaning: Rathburn is an English surname of locational origin, deriving from the Old English words 'rath' meaning a cleared area or a type of earthwork, and 'burne' meaning stream. This suggests that the surname may have been given to people who lived near a cleared area by a stream.
History: The surname Rathburn has its roots in Yorkshire, England, where the earliest records of the name date back to the 17th century. It is believed that the Rathburn family was prominent in the region, with members holding land and estates.
Distribution: Historically, the Rathburn surname was concentrated in Yorkshire and the surrounding areas in northern England. Over the years, however, migration and dispersal have led to the name being found in various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.
Notable People:
- John Rathburn: A notable figure who played a key role in local governance in Yorkshire during the 18th century.
- Emma Rathburn: A renowned artist who gained recognition for her landscape paintings in the late 19th century.
Variants: Variants of the surname Rathburn include Rathborne, Rathbourne, and Rathburne, each reflecting regional or historical differences in spelling.
Trivia: Interestingly, the Rathburn surname has also found its way into popular culture, with fictional characters in literature and media bearing the name.
References:
- FamilyHistoryUK
- Ancestry.com
- The Surname Database.
There are approximately 47 people named Rathburn in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Rathburn.
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
- Martin
Female
- Deborah