Ridley
Ridley: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɹɪdli/
Meaning and origin of Ridley
Root meaning: “reeds”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
- A female given name transferred from the surname, of rare usage.
Etymology
Place names in England, Old English hrēad (“reeds”) or rydde (“cleared land”) + lēah (“wood, clearing”). Thus, equivalent to reed or rid + -ley (“lea”).
How popular is Ridley?
Since 1880, 1,364 girls and 1,528 boys in the U.S. have been named Ridley (47% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1684 in 2018. Its highest rank for boys was #1742 in 2018. In 2025, 166 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Ridley
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Ridley
Sister and brother names that share Ridley's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Ridley FAQ
What does the name Ridley mean?
Ridley traces back to a root meaning "reeds". A male given name transferred from the surname. A female given name transferred from the surname, of rare usage. Place names in England, Old English hrēad (“reeds”) or rydde (“cleared land”) + lēah (“wood, clearing”). Thus, equivalent to reed or rid + -ley (“lea”).
What is the origin of the name Ridley?
Ridley is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Ridley?
Since 1880, 1,364 girls and 1,528 boys in the U.S. have been named Ridley (47% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1684 in 2018. Its highest rank for boys was #1742 in 2018. In 2025, 166 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Ridley a boy or girl name?
Ridley is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (1,364 girls and 1,528 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.