Origin & Meaning of the Ridley Surname
What does the last name Ridley mean?
The surname Ridley carries the meaning "From a meadow or clearing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 11,521 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ridley ranks as the #3,133 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ridley come from?
The Ridley surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Ridley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ridley trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Ridley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,133 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,521 |
| Per 100K People | 3.91 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Ridley
According to the US Census, the Ridley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,521 Americans with the Ridley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 51.23% |
| Black | 41.52% |
| Hispanic | 2.13% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 1.48% |
| Two or More Races | 3.2% |
Popularity of Ridley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ridley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ridley surname increased by 422 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Ridley Family
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- ✓ The Ridley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Ridley families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Ridley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Ridley.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Ridley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridley
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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