Ridgely is a gender-neutral name of English origin, meaning "Lives By The Field Or Ridge." It is derived from the English language and is used to describe someone who resides near a field or ridge. The name is associated with various places, including Ridgely, Maryland, Missouri, Tennessee, and Nicollet County, Minnesota, as well as Fort Ridgely, a historic U.S. Army outpost. Additionally, several notable individuals bear the name Ridgely, such as Ridgely Gaither, an Army general, and Ridgely Torrence, an American poet and editor. The name is also linked to the Ridgely family of Maryland and Delaware, and other prominent figures in different fields. Whether used as a given name or surname, Ridgely carries a strong connection to American history and notable personalities.
Ridgely Gaither (23 February 1903 – 26 October 1992) was a distinguished United States Army lieutenant general, known for his leadership during the Korean War and his significant commands within the U.S. Army. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Gaither hailed from a family with a long history of military service, and his legacy is honored in the suburban town of Gaithersburg, Maryland, which bears his family name. Graduating from St. John's College, he began his military career, gradually ascending through the ranks and serving in various locations, including Europe and the Pacific theater during World War II. Notable for his advocacy of paratrooper operations, Gaither played a pivotal role in the formation of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, the first African-American paratrooper unit. His remarkable military career included commands such as the 11th Airborne Division and the 40th Infantry Division during the Korean War, as well as senior roles like commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps and the Second United States Army. Gaither retired from the Army in 1962, having received numerous accolades, including two Army Distinguished Service Medals and the Legion of Merit. After retirement, he served as the police commissioner in Annapolis, Maryland, until 1973. Gaither's contributions to the military and his community are remembered, and he was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service
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