The given name Ridge is an English name derived from the Old English word "hrycg," which means "back" or "ridge." This name is believed to have originated in the early medieval period, around the 5th to 11th centuries, when Anglo-Saxons settled in Britain.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Ridge can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions a landowner named Ridge de Cluny, who held estates in Somerset.

In the 12th century, the name Ridge appeared in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire, which were financial records of the English Exchequer. These rolls mention a man named Ridge de Strigule, who was a knight and landowner.

During the 13th century, Ridge was a relatively common name among English peasants and farmers. One notable bearer of the name was Ridge de Montemor, a soldier who fought in the Crusades and is mentioned in the chronicles of the Third Crusade led by Richard the Lionheart.

In the 16th century, the name Ridge was associated with several notable figures. Ridge Wrey (1497-1557) was an English politician and courtier who served as a Member of Parliament during the reign of Henry VIII. Ridge Hawkins (1555-1622) was an English sea captain and explorer who participated in several voyages to the West Indies and the Americas.

Another famous bearer of the name Ridge was Ridge Blackmore (1725-1806), an English writer and novelist who is best known for his novel "Lorna Doone." This book, published in 1869, is set in the English countryside and features a character named John Ridd, whose nickname is "Ridge."

Throughout the centuries, the name Ridge has been used by various individuals from different walks of life, including artists, musicians, politicians, and military figures. It continues to be a popular name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.