The name Ridley has its origins in Old English, derived from the words "rycg" meaning "ridge" and "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing". It is believed to have been originally a place name, referring to a meadow located on a ridge. The earliest recorded use of the name can be traced back to the late 11th century.

In terms of historical references, the name Ridley is mentioned in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of a great survey commissioned in 1085 by William the Conqueror. This suggests that the name was already in use in England during the Norman period.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Ridley as a personal name is Nicholas Ridley (c. 1500 - 1555), an English Protestant bishop who played a key role in the English Reformation and was martyred during the reign of Queen Mary I.

Another notable figure was Humphrey Ridley (c. 1653 - 1708), an English clergyman and author who wrote several works on theology and religious philosophy.

In the 18th century, James Ridley (1736 - 1765) was a British explorer and navigator who made several important voyages to the Pacific Ocean and is credited with being one of the first Europeans to visit Tahiti.

Moving into the 19th century, Matthew Ridley (1835 - 1888) was a prominent English industrialist and Member of Parliament who played a significant role in the development of the coal and iron industries in the northeast of England.

In the realm of literature, J. Whyborne Ridley (1864 - 1935) was an English author and poet who wrote several works of fiction and non-fiction, including biographies of notable figures such as William Shakespeare and John Milton.

These are just a few examples of historical figures who bore the name Ridley, demonstrating its long-standing presence and use throughout various periods and contexts.