Ridley Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Ridley Name Meaning: An Anglo-Saxon name meaning 'rye field', 'rye meadow' or 'rye clearing'.

An occupational surname which would be given to anyone associated with the clearing of rye, also an adaptation of the Irish name 'Reilly' which is a shortening of an old Irish name.

Discover how your Ridley ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Ridley Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Ridley family

Profession Census Frequency
Living On Own Means 81
Farmer 80
General Labourer 72
Coal Miner Hewer 59
Dress Maker 46
General Servant Domestic 39
Domestic Servant 35
Cook Domestic 33
Scholar 25
Coal Miner C Hewer 18
Grocer Assistant 16
At School 16
Farmer's Son 16
Housemaid Domestic 15
Gardener Domestic 14
Cotton Weaver 13
Dressmaker 13
House Maid Domestic 12
Engine Fitter 12
House Keeper 11
Laundress Wash 11
Bricklayer 11
Coal Hewer 11
Coal Miner 11
House Keeper Domestic 10

Ridley Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Ridley 100% 40,486
2 Radley 83% 13,017
3 Eardley 57% 7,320
4 Ardley 67% 3,059
5 Redley 83% 2,647
6 Rodley 83% 2,200
7 Roadley 71% 933
8 Rudley 83% 445
9 Riddley 86% 330
10 Ridly 83% 270
11 Roadly 50% 205
12 Readley 71% 192
13 Radly 67% 176
14 Eardly 33% 145

Did you know?

The surname Ridley is the most popular version of all its varients

Search for the Ridley family