The name Ridge is of English origin and it means "mountain slope" or "edge of a hill." It comes from the Old English word "hreod," which means hill or ridge.
The use of Ridge as a given name is relatively modern, with its popularity rising in recent years. However, the name Ridge has been used as a surname for centuries, originating from place names where there was a prominent ridge or hill.
In literature and popular culture, Ridge has been used as a character name, which may have contributed to its growing recognition as a given name. For instance, Ridge Lawrence is a main character in the young adult novel series "The Mortal Instruments" by Cassandra Clare.
Despite its recent rise in popularity, Ridge remains a unique and distinctive name that stands out among more common choices. Its meaning and origin give it a strong and robust feel, reflecting its connection to nature and the outdoors.
In terms of pronunciation, Ridge is typically pronounced as /riдж/, with the stress on the first syllable. It rhymes with words such as hide, tide, and stride.
Overall, Ridge is an uncommon yet meaningful name that may appeal to parents looking for a strong and distinctive name for their child. Its connection to nature and its unique sound make it a memorable choice.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe a significant increase in the popularity of the name Ridge over time in the United States.
From 1948 to around the year 2000, there were relatively few births with the name Ridge each year, ranging from as low as 2 births (in some years) up to 82 births in the year 2000. However, starting in the year 2005, we begin to see a notable rise in the number of babies named Ridge.
The year 2015 marked a turning point with 226 births, and since then, the popularity of the name Ridge has continued to grow rapidly. In just seven years (from 2015 to 2022), the number of Ridge births increased more than fourfold, from 226 in 2015 to 598 in 2022.
This exponential growth is further highlighted by the fact that there were 443 Ridge births in 2019 and 506 in 2021. In just two years, the number of babies named Ridge increased by approximately 14%.
When looking at the total number of Ridge births since 1948 up until 2023, we see a combined total of 6758 births. This figure underscores the growing popularity of the name Ridge in recent years and suggests that it may continue to be among the more popular names for boys in the United States moving forward.
Overall, this data shows us how trends in naming can change over time, with Ridge's popularity rising significantly within just a few decades.