Rising since 1985, #529 for boys today.
Popularity of Ridge since 1948
Babies named Ridge per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 11 |
| 1950s | 30 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 230 |
| 1990s | 1,082 |
| 2000s | 984 |
| 2010s | 2,324 |
| 2020s | 3,227 |
Meaning & origin
Ridge is a nature-inspired name that has climbed steadily in popularity since the mid-1980s, reflecting a broader trend toward outdoorsy and topographic names. First recorded in 1948, it reached its peak rank of 529 in 2023, with about 1 in 3,018 baby boys given the name that year. The name has become especially popular in states like Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, where outdoor landscapes are a defining feature. Its rise aligns with the growing appeal of single-syllable, strong-sounding names like River and Brooks, but Ridge remains less common, giving it a distinctive feel. While not tied to any specific cultural or religious tradition, its English origin and straightforward meaning make it accessible across backgrounds.
Ridge derives from the Old English hrycg, meaning 'back' or 'ridge of a hill.' It was originally a topographic surname for someone who lived near a ridge. As a given name, it has been in occasional use since the mid-20th century, with a notable rise in popularity in the 2020s, influenced by its use in popular culture and the trend of nature-inspired names.
Where Ridge is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Ridge
Names that share Ridge's style, for a brother or sister.
