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.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Ridley since 1880
Total births
1,166
Total since 1880
Peak year
2018
124 births
in 2023
107
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+93%
↗
vs previous 5 years