Riggs

Pronunciation: [ r-IHGZ ]

Boy Name #669 Most Popular Rising 1 Syllable

One tough syllable with ridge-country heritage and action-hero energy

American English

Bold Strong Modern Cool

Meaning & Origin

"dweller by the ridge"

Origin: Old English hrycg

Language: English

"son of Ridge"

Origin: English topographic surname

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Riggs

Chandler Riggs

Actor

1999

American actor known for playing Carl Grimes in The Walking Dead from age 10 through the character's death

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

Martin Riggs Fictional

Other

Fictional LAPD detective played by Mel Gibson in the Lethal Weapon film series (1987-1998)

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

Riggins #1675 Riggin #2608

Nicknames

Rig Riy Rigie

Pairs Well With

Riggs James Riggs Alexander Riggs Thomas Riggs Henry Riggs Cole Riggs Grant

Sibling Names

Briggs Knox Hayes Hendrix Sloane Quinn

Also a Girl Name

Riggs is also used as a girl name, ranked #39827.

View Riggs as a girl name →

Similar Names

Ridge

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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, and Rigie.

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.

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, and Rigie. 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.