All about the name RIDLEY

Meaning, origin, history.

Ridley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "hryðelī", which means "powerful" or "brave". The name was originally used as a surname, but it has since become more popular as a given name for both boys and girls.

The first recorded use of the name Ridley as a given name was in the 17th century. It is believed to have been brought over to America by English settlers. Over time, the name gained popularity and became more widely used.

Today, Ridley is still considered an uncommon name, but it has seen increased usage in recent years. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Ridley ranked #857 for boys' names and #942 for girls' names in 2020 in the United States.

Some notable individuals with the given name Ridley include American actor Ridley Scott (best known for his role as Noah Calhoun in "The Notebook"), British philosopher and author Matthew Arnold Ridley, and Australian rules footballer Adam Goodes who was born Ridley Goodes. Despite its uncommon usage, Ridley remains a strong and powerful name choice with a rich history behind it.

See also

English

Popularity of the name RIDLEY since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The name Ridley has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. With only 9 births recorded in 2002, it was not a commonly chosen name at that time. However, starting from 2014, there has been a notable surge in its usage, with 72 births recorded that year. This trend continued into the following years, reaching a peak of 124 births in 2018.

Over the course of these twenty-one years (2002 to 2023), a total of 1166 children were named Ridley at birth in the United States. This indicates that while it may not have been a top choice initially, the name Ridley has gained considerable traction and popularity among parents in recent years.

It's interesting to observe the fluctuations in popularity over time. For instance, there was a significant jump from 71 births in 2015 to 84 births in 2016. Similarly, there was a substantial increase from 101 births in 2020 to 104 births in 2021, and again to 107 births in 2022.

Despite these fluctuations, it's clear that the name Ridley has established itself as a popular choice among parents in the United States. Its steady increase in usage over the past decade suggests that this trend may continue into the future.