"dweller by the ridge"
Origin: Old English hrycg
Language: English
Riggs
Pronunciation: [ r-IHGZ ]
Does Riggs flow with your last name?
One tough syllable with ridge-country heritage and action-hero energy
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Riggs
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Meaning & Origin
"son of Ridge"
Origin: English topographic surname
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Martin Riggs, the reckless suicidal detective in Lethal Weapon — broadly a positive pop culture association but carries some dark overtones
The Story of Riggs
Riggs is an English surname derived from the Old English word hrycg, meaning ridge or back, referring to a narrow elevated crest of land. As a topographic surname, it was given to families who lived near or on a ridge. Like Briggs, Hayes, and Knox, it belongs to a category of rugged English surnames now gaining popularity as first names in America, prized for their one-syllable punch and masculine sound.
Riggs began its rise as a first name in the 2010s, part of a broader trend of using strong, masculine English surnames as first names. The Lethal Weapon connection (Martin Riggs played by Mel Gibson) gives it action-hero energy. Its one-syllable punch, rhyme with Briggs, and strong consonants make it appealing to parents seeking names with physical presence.
In popular culture, Martin Riggs from Lethal Weapon (1987-1998) defined the name for a generation — a loose cannon but ultimately heroic detective. Bobby Riggs also made the name famous in the Battle of the Sexes tennis match in 1973, one of the most watched sporting events in history. The name carries rugged topographic English heritage evoking the Pennines and Yorkshire Moors.
Historical Record
Riggs first appeared in US Social Security records in 1992.
Over 2,657 babies have been named Riggs in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Riggs is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #669 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Martin Riggs played by Mel Gibson in the Lethal Weapon franchise is one of cinema's most iconic buddy-cop characters
- Rigg appears in place names throughout England, particularly in Yorkshire and the Lake District
- Riggs entered the US top 1000 boys names for the first time around 2018
Riggs in Other Languages
German
Riggs
English
Riggs
Spanish
Riggs
Popularity Over Time
#669
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Riggs
C
Chandler Riggs
Actor
1999
American actor known for playing Carl Grimes in The Walking Dead from age 10 through the character's death
B
Bobby Riggs
Athlete
1918
American tennis player and hustler who famously lost the Battle of the Sexes match against Billie Jean King in 1973 — wa...
American tennis player and hustler who famously lost the Battle of the Sexes match against Billie Jean King in 1973 — watched by 90 million viewers
M
Martin Riggs Fictional
Other
Fictional LAPD detective played by Mel Gibson in the Lethal Weapon film series (1987-1998)
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #669
- Total SSA Count
- 410
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Nicknames
Rig
Riy
Riie
Rigkins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Riggs
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Riggs is also used as a girl name, ranked #39827.
View Riggs as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (American)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Riggs
What does the name Riggs mean?
"dweller by the ridge" (from Old English hrycg). "son of Ridge" (from English topographic surname). Riggs is an English surname derived from the Old English word hrycg, meaning ridge or back, referring to a narrow elevated crest of land. As a topographic surname, it was given to families who lived near or on a ridge. Like Briggs, Hayes, and Knox, it belongs to a category of rugged English surnames now gaining popularity as first names in America, prized for their one-syllable punch and masculine sound.
What is the origin of the name Riggs?
Riggs has Old English hrycg, English topographic surname, American, and English origins. In Old English hrycg, it means "dweller by the ridge". In English topographic surname, it means "son of Ridge".
Is Riggs a boy or girl name?
Riggs is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #669. As a girl name, it is ranked #39827. Riggs is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Riggs?
Riggs is pronounced r-IHGZ.
How popular is the name Riggs?
Riggs is currently ranked #669 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Riggs?
Common nicknames for Riggs include Rig, Riy, Riie, and Rigkins.
What are good middle names for Riggs?
Popular middle name pairings include Riggs James, Riggs Alexander, Riggs Thomas, Riggs Henry, Riggs Cole, and Riggs Grant.
What are good sibling names for Riggs?
Names that pair well with Riggs as siblings include Briggs, Knox, Hayes, Hendrix, Sloane, and Quinn.
How many syllables does Riggs have?
Riggs has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Riggs a common or rare name?
Riggs is moderately common, ranked #669 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Riggs?
About the Name Riggs
Riggs is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "dweller by the ridge" in Old English hrycg .
Is Riggs a boy or girl name? Riggs is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #669 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #39,827. Riggs is more commonly used as a boy name.
Riggs is currently ranked #669 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Riggs has 1 syllable and is pronounced r-IHGZ, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Riggs include Rig, Riy, Riie, and Rigkins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Riggs include Riggins, Riggin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis