From the strip of land
A surname-turned-given name of Germanic origin, likely derived from the Middle Low German word 'rippe', referring to a strip of land or a riverbank. In the United States, its use as a first name is almost exclusively a tribute to baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. It carries a sporty, Americana feel while fitting the modern trend of using surnames as first names.
Less common today
Ripken isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,784 in 2022.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Hall of Fame baseball player known as the 'Iron Man'
Longtime Baltimore Orioles manager and coach
