Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Ripley

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      From the Strip Field

      Variations

      Ridley, Riley, Briley
      The name Ripley originated in England and derives from the Old English word ripan meaning to reap or strip and leah meaning wood or clearing. The combination of these words gives the name Ripley its meaning as From the Strip Field. This name is predominantly of locational origin, indicating that the bearer of the name was from a place with a field or clearing where crops were harvested or stripped.

      In historical records, the name Ripley has been documented as early as the 12th century. It was commonly found in various regions of England, particularly in Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Surrey. Over time, families with the name Ripley spread to other parts of the United Kingdom. Notably, the name Ripley can also be associated with the well-known Ripley Castle in North Yorkshire, reflecting its historical prominence.

      In modern-day usage, the name Ripley continues to be utilized as both a first name and a name. As a first name, Ripley is now more commonly bestowed upon girls rather than boys, reflecting a shift in gender associations. It is sometimes chosen as a name to represent strength, independence, and a connection to nature. As a name, Ripley is less prevalent but still exists, often serving as a link to a family's ancestral roots or local history. Overall, the name Ripley has retained its historic origins while adapting to contemporary naming practices.

      Based on our records...

      Copeland

      Copeland

      This is the most common surname associated with Ripley.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Ripley.
      Ripley

      Ripley

      This is the most common name for a child of a Ripley.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1826 is when there were the most people born with the first name Ripley.

      Explore the origins of another name.