Origin and Meaning of Ripley

Meaning & Origin

Homestead by the river

Origin: Old English - Derived from the Old English elements 'ripa' meaning 'river bank' and 'leah' meaning 'clearing or meadow'.

Interesting Facts

  • Ripley is commonly used as both a first name and a surname, and it has gained popularity as a given name in recent years.
  • The name Ripley has been used in literature, most notably through the character Tom Ripley in the series of novels by Patricia Highsmith.
  • Ripley is also recognized as a unisex name, appealing to both boys and girls, although it is more frequently used for girls in contemporary contexts.
  • In terms of popularity, Ripley saw a notable increase in usage in the early 2000s, becoming more fashionable in modern naming trends.
  • Related names and variations of Ripley include Ripleigh and Ripleyana, which may incorporate suffixes or alternative spellings.