Ripley
Ripley is a unisex name of English origin meaning “Strip of clearing”, pronounced RIP-lee. It ranked #1032 in the United States in 2025, given to 243 babies, and peaked at #1032 in 2025. Common nicknames: Rip, Ripp, Lee.
How popular is Ripley in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Ripley mean, and where does it come from?
Ripley is an English place name found in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Surrey — probably from a word for a strip of land plus leah, "clearing" — and a surname carried by Robert Ripley of Believe It or Not and by Patricia Highsmith's charming murderer. The name that parents actually have in mind is Ellen Ripley, the warrant officer of Alien, and American records show it appearing in 1988, two years after Aliens. It is used for both sexes and has not yet reached the top thousand.
How is Ripley used around the world?
Ripley is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Ripley?
Famous People Named Ripley
- Robert Ripley — American cartoonist and creator of Believe It or Not
- Ellen Ripley — the protagonist of the Alien films
Similar Names to Ripley
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Sibling Name Ideas for Ripley
Looking for names that pair well with Ripley? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ripley mean?
Ripley is a unisex name of English origin meaning "Strip of clearing." Ripley is an English place name found in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Surrey — probably from a word for a strip of land plus leah, "clearing" — and a surname carried by Robert Ripley of Believe It or Not and by Patricia Highsmith's charming murderer. The name that parents actually have in mind is Ellen Ripley, the warrant officer of Alien, and American records show it appearing in 1988, two years after Aliens.
How do you pronounce Ripley?
Ripley is pronounced RIP-lee. Common variations include Ripleigh, Riply.
Is Ripley a unisex name?
Yes, Ripley is traditionally a unisex name. Popular nicknames include Rip, Ripp, Lee.