Find out how popular the first name Ripley has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ripley by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Ripley is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 76% of people named Ripley being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 203 female babies and 117 male babies born with the name Ripley.

The history of the first name Ripley

The given name Ripley has its origins in the Old English language and dates back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English word "ripel," which means "strip of land" or "unplowed land." The name likely originated as a surname for someone who lived near a strip of unplowed land or a meadow.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Ripley can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners in England compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The name appeared as a place name and a surname in various parts of England, such as Ripley in Yorkshire and Ripley in Derbyshire.

In the Middle Ages, the name Ripley gained prominence through the works of the English alchemist and philosopher George Ripley, who lived from around 1415 to 1490. He is best known for his alchemical treatise, "The Compound of Alchemy," which heavily influenced the development of alchemical thought in Europe.

Another notable bearer of the name was John Ripley, an English Carmelite friar and theologian who lived in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. He is remembered for his writings on logic and philosophy, particularly his work "Compendium of Logic."

In the 18th century, John Ripley (1697-1758) was an English Baptist minister and hymnist who wrote several notable hymns, including "From Greenland's Icy Mountains" and "Awake, My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve."

Towards the modern era, Ripley Hitchcock (1858-1948) was an American artist and illustrator known for his intricate etchings and engravings, particularly those depicting scenes from American history and literature.

In the 20th century, Ripley Armstrong (1890-1973) was a Canadian soldier and politician who served as a member of the Canadian House of Commons and played a significant role in the country's efforts during World War I.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the given name Ripley throughout history, demonstrating its enduring presence and varied applications across different fields and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ripley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ripley, please contact us.

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