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
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • 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
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Ridley

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Reed/Wood Clearing

      Variations

      Radley, Ripley, Riley
      The name Ridley primarily originates from English and denotes its meaning to be Reed/Wood Clearing. Historically speaking, the origins of the name Ridley can be traced back several centuries. In medieval England, the name Ridley was associated with individuals who either resided near a woodland area or whose livelihood was dependent on the wood industry. The name served as a way to distinguish those who lived or worked in and around clearings in the woods, where reeds or timber were plentiful.

      Throughout history, the name Ridley has appeared in various records, serving as a testament to its enduring usage. Notably, the name gained prominence in the 16th century with the emergence of Nicholas Ridley, a prominent English bishop and martyr during the Protestant Reformation. Ridley's fearless stand against religious persecution led to his execution in 1555. His martyrdom left a lasting impact, and his name became synonymous with courage and conviction.

      In modern-day usage, the name Ridley continues to be found in English-speaking regions, particularly in Britain and the United States. It is commonly used as both a first name and a name. With its roots in nature and its historical significance, the name Ridley embodies a sense of strength, resilience, and connection to the land. Its usage today reflects a continued appreciation for the rich linguistic and cultural heritage associated with the name.

      Based on our records...

      Jones

      Jones

      This is the most common surname associated with Ridley.
      Mary

      Mary

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

      Mary

      This is the most common name for a child of a Ridley.
      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?

      1820 is when there were the most people born with the first name Ridley.

      Explore the origins of another name.