Boy · 682nd of 23,106
Ridge
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
7,337
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2023
Peak Popularity Year
599
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Ridge stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Ridge originates from the Old English word 'hrycg', meaning 'ridge'. It has evolved through various forms in the English language, retaining its geographical significance. The name is associated with strength and nature, with no biblical relevance, and has gained popularity in modern times as a first name linked to outdoor themes.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/rɪdʒ/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Ridge is derived from the Old English word 'hrycg', which means 'ridge' or 'back'. It refers to a geographical feature, typically a long, narrow hilltop or mountain range.
Meaning
ridge
Language Evolution
Old English: hrycg, Middle English: rigge, Modern English: Ridge
Historical Usage
The name Ridge gained popularity as a surname and later transitioned into a first name, especially in the 20th century, as nature-inspired names became more fashionable.
Variants & Derivatives
Ridges, Ridgeway
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Ridge is perceived as a strong and nature-related name, often associated with outdoor living and rugged landscapes.
Famous People
Ridge Howard, an American actor, Ridge Forrester, a fictional character from the soap opera 'The Bold and the Beautiful'
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 599 peak births in 2023
Geographic Spread
Popular across 41 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 6 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 5 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4568th of 7552 | 46 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1383rd of 16616 | 985 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1383rd of 24088 | 1,711 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 682nd of 23106 | 4,582 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 24101st of 30306 | 13 |