Ripley

Pronunciation: [ r-IHPL-ee ]

Girl Name #1,249 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Bold and fierce, named for a cinematic legend

English American

Bold Strong Modern Unique

Meaning & Origin

"strip-shaped woodland clearing"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

"from Ripley (place name)"

Origin: English

Language: English

The Story of Ripley

Ripley is an Old English place name meaning 'strip-shaped woodland clearing,' from 'ripel' (strip) and 'leah' (woodland clearing). As an English surname it appears from the 13th century, attached to several villages in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. It crossed into first-name use as part of the surname-as-first-name trend, but received a massive cultural boost from one of cinema's greatest heroines.

The name surged for girls in the 2010s largely due to Ellen Ripley, the iconic survivor of the Alien franchise. As parents grew up celebrating fearless female action heroes, Ripley became a bold choice signaling toughness and independence.

In American pop culture, Ripley is synonymous with Ellen Ripley from the Alien series, widely regarded as one of the most influential female characters in film history — a working-class hero who outlasts every monster.

Fun Facts

Ellen Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver) first appeared in Ridley Scott's Alien (1979)
Ripley as a girl's name has appeared in the US top 1000 since 2015
Several small English villages still bear the name Ripley today

Ripley in Other Languages

French Ripley

German Ripley

Spanish Ripley

Japanese リプリー

Famous People Named Ripley

Amanda Ripley

Writer

1976

American investigative journalist and author known for books on human behavior

Ripley's Believe It or Not

Other

Robert Ripley was an American cartoonist who founded the famous oddities brand

Ellen Ripley Fictional

Other

Iconic fictional survivor and warrant officer in the Alien film franchise, played by Sigourney Weaver

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,249
Total SSA Count: 186
Cultural Origins: English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Rip Ripps

Pairs Well With

Ripley Jane Ripley Mae Ripley Scout Ripley Blake Ripley Quinn Ripley Anne Ripley Grace

Sibling Names

Rowan Sloane Archer Scout Harlow Flynn Piper

Also a Boy Name

Ripley is also used as a boy name, ranked #1402.

View Ripley as a boy name →

Similar Names

Wiley Raleigh Wylie Miley Ridley Ripley Raleigh Riley

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ripley

What does the name Ripley mean?

"strip-shaped woodland clearing" (from Old English). "from Ripley (place name)" (from English). Ripley is an Old English place name meaning 'strip-shaped woodland clearing,' from 'ripel' (strip) and 'leah' (woodland clearing). As an English surname it appears from the 13th century, attached to several villages in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. It crossed into first-name use as part of the surname-as-first-name trend, but received a massive cultural boost from one of cinema's greatest heroines.

What is the origin of the name Ripley?

Ripley has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "strip-shaped woodland clearing". In English, it means "from Ripley (place name)".

Is Ripley a boy or girl name?

Ripley is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1249. As a boy name, it is ranked #1402. Ripley is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Ripley?

Ripley is pronounced r-IHPL-ee.

How popular is the name Ripley?

Ripley is currently ranked #1249 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Ripley?

Common nicknames for Ripley include Rip and Ripps.

What are good middle names for Ripley?

Popular middle name pairings include Ripley Jane, Ripley Mae, Ripley Scout, Ripley Blake, Ripley Quinn, Ripley Anne, and Ripley Grace.

What are good sibling names for Ripley?

Names that pair well with Ripley as siblings include Rowan, Sloane, Archer, Scout, Harlow, Flynn, and Piper.

How many syllables does Ripley have?

Ripley has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Ripley a common or rare name?

Ripley is an uncommon name, ranked #1249 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Ripley

Ripley is a girl name with English and American origins . The name means "strip-shaped woodland clearing" in Old English .

Is Ripley a boy or girl name? Ripley is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,249 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,402. Ripley is more commonly used as a girl name.

Ripley is currently ranked #1,249 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Ripley has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-IHPL-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Ripley include Rip and Ripps. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.