Origin & Meaning of the Ripley Surname
What does the last name Ripley mean?
The surname Ripley 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 9,314 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ripley ranks as the #3,799 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Ripley come from?
The Ripley 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 Ripley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Ripley 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 | Ripley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,799 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,314 |
| Per 100K People | 3.16 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Ripley
According to the US Census, the Ripley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,314 Americans with the Ripley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.05% |
| Black | 2.93% |
| Hispanic | 3.15% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.37% |
| Native American | 0.72% |
| Two or More Races | 1.78% |
Popularity of Ripley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ripley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Ripley surname increased by 422 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Ripley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Ripley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Ripley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Ripley.
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 Ripley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ripley
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Ripley surname also look for: