How common is the Ripley surname?

There are approximately 18,000 people with the surname Ripley in the United States.

Are there Ripley soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 503 soldiers with the Ripley surname appear in Civil War records.

Ripley

Q: What does the surname Ripley mean?

The surname Ripley means "One who dwells in a clearing where strips of land are cultivated.". It is of English origin.

Topographic

Meaning

One who dwells in a clearing where strips of land are cultivated.

Etymology

Derived from Old English 'ripel' or 'rip' (a strip of land) combined with 'leah' (clearing or meadow). The name originated as a locational surname referring to settlements in England with this geographical feature.

About the Ripley Surname

Ripley is an established English surname with multiple place origins throughout England. The name gained wider recognition through Robert Ripley's 'Believe It or Not!' phenomenon in the 20th century.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 18,000 bearers in the United States #856 most common surname

Rare Common

Primarily found in England and North America, with historical concentration in Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

Ripley Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Ripley Surname

J.P. Ripley

President of Harriman, Ripley, & Co.

Quick Facts

Origin: English
Classification: Topographic
Earliest Record: 13th century England
Estimated Bearers: 18,000

War Records

503 soldiers with the Ripley surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →