Ridley Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ridley come from? What does the surname Ridley mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ridley and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Ridley Origin: What does the last name Ridley mean?
The surname Ridley originated from locations in England such as Cheshire, Kent, Northumberland, and Essex counties. It is derived from Old English, possibly meaning "reeds wood" or "cleared land." Records show that the Ridley surname first appeared in England in the early 14th century, with significant growth noted in the 16th century. By the 18th century, it had gained prominence in the United States, signifying an early global spread. Today, Ridley remains a prominent surname in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.
YourRoots data confirms Ridley's historical presence in multiple regions, with significant records in the United States. The surname's global spread has expanded over the centuries, with appearances in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This enduring surname reflects a rich heritage and continues to be prevalent in various regions and cultures in the modern era.
Ridley Last Name History: Where did the last name Ridley come from?
Origin of Ridley Surname: Where does the last name Ridley originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Ridley first appeared in records from England around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Ridley spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Ridley: What does the Ridley surname history look like in the early days?
The Ridley surname started growing significantly in England from the 14th to the 16th centuries, with substantial volumes of records. By the 18th century, the surname also gained prominence in the United States, indicating an early global spread. YourRoots data also shows Ridley family records in countries like the United States, highlighting its historical presence in multiple regions.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ridley surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Ridley surname grew significantly in the United States. The Ridley surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others.
Explore Ridley last name heritage and Ridley surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Ridley Surame?
Daisy Ridley
Daisy Jazz Isobel Ridley (April 10, 1992 - ) is an English actress known for her role as Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. She has also appeared in films like Murder on the Orient Express and Chaos Walking. Ridley began her acting career with minor roles in television before landing the iconic role of Rey, which catapulted her to international fame. Besides her acting career, Ridley has also worked on documentaries and music projects, showcasing her diverse talents in the entertainment industry.
Fred Ridley
Fred Scobie Ridley (born Aug 16, 1952) is a prominent American amateur golfer and golf administrator. He won the U.S. Amateur in 1975 and later became president of the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 2004. In 2017, he took on the role of chairman at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club. Ridley, a law graduate, never turned professional but continued to make a mark in the amateur golf scene. He is also a commercial real estate lawyer and a partner at Foley & Lardner in Tampa, Florida. Ridley is married with three daughters and remains an influential figure in the golf world.
Alice Tan Ridley
Alice Tan Ridley (December 21, 1952 – March 25, 2025) was an American gospel and R&B singer known for her powerful vocals. She gained fame by reaching the semi-finals on America's Got Talent and released her debut album at the age of 63. Ridley was also the mother of actress Gabourey Sidibe, known for her role in the film Precious. With a background in busking and performing in New York City subway stations, Ridley's talent shone through on the big stage, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
Arnold Ridley
William Arnold Ridley (7 Jan 1896 – 12 Mar 1984) was an English playwright and actor known for creating the play "The Ghost Train" and portraying Private Godfrey in the British sitcom "Dad's Army." Ridley served in both World Wars, receiving honors for his military service. He wrote numerous plays and adapted an Agatha Christie novel for the stage. Ridley's role in "Dad's Army" made him a household name, and he continued acting into his eighties. He was appointed an OBE for his contributions to theatre and was featured on "This Is Your Life" in 1976. Ridley's legacy lives on through his impactful work in the entertainment industry.
Calvin Ridley
Calvin Orin Ridley (born Dec 20, 1994) is an American professional football wide receiver known for his time with the Atlanta Falcons and later the Tennessee Titans. Ridley played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, winning national championships in 2015 and 2017. His career was marked by accolades like being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and earning All-Pro honors. Despite facing challenges like a suspension for gambling policy violations, Ridley continued to showcase his talent on the field. A standout player with a promising future, Ridley's journey in the NFL has captured the attention of football fans nationwide.
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