RIDLEY
Ridley
Ridley is a British surname that has its origins in the Old English personal name "Riglaf" which means "reed wood" or "reed clearing". The name is locational, derived from the various places in England named Ridley, such as those in Northumberland, Kent, and Cheshire.
The earliest recorded spelling of the surname dates back to the late 12th century, where it appears as "de Ridelai" in records from Kent. Over time, the surname evolved into its modern form as Ridley.
One of the most prominent figures bearing the surname Ridley is Nicholas Ridley (c. 1500-1555), an English bishop and martyr during the Protestant Reformation. He served as the Bishop of London and was burned at the stake for his religious beliefs under the reign of Queen Mary I.
The Ridley surname has spread across the United Kingdom and beyond, with notable individuals in various fields such as academia, politics, and the arts. The name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its place in British heritage.
In contemporary times, the surname Ridley remains a distinctive and respected part of British nomenclature, representing a rich history and diverse contributions to society.
There are approximately 11,104 people named Ridley in the UK. That makes it the 829th most common surname in Britain. Around 171 in a million people in Britain are named Ridley.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan