Riggs

♂ Boy

Pronounced RIGZ /ɹɪɡz/High

Meaning: Son of Ridge or one who lives by a ridge; an English surname from the Old English hrycg meaning ridge, backbone, or long narrow hillHigh

In 30 seconds: Riggs is an Old English surname meaning ridge or one who lives by a ridge, a rugged one-syllable name rising as a first name with the cool factor of the Lethal Weapon detective and the grit of the American West.

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Origin HighOld English

MeaningSon of Ridge or one who lives by a ridge; an English surname from the Old English hrycg meaning ridge, backbone, or long narrow hill

U.S. rank (2025)#776 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births329 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,986

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Riggs is an English surname derived from the Old English hrycg, meaning ridge or backbone, denoting someone who lived near a long narrow hill. The surname evolved from Ridge through the genitive form Riggs (son of Ridge or of the ridge). It is found in English records from the medieval period.

As a given first name, Riggs is a recent American phenomenon driven partly by pop-culture appeal and the broader trend of strong, punchy one-syllable surname names. It began appearing more regularly in U.S. birth records in the 2010s, appealing to parents who love rugged, confident single-syllable names.

Did you know? Detective Martin Riggs, played by Mel Gibson in the Lethal Weapon film series starting in 1987, is one of Hollywood's most iconic action heroes, and his edgy, fearless personality gave the name Riggs a cool, unconventional resonance that has influenced its use as a first name.

Overall data confidence 87%

Behind the Name — Riggs — Old English surname etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RidgeBriggsRigg

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Riggs…

Briggs— same one-syllable -iggs surname structure and rugged American feel

Ridge— the direct root name from which Riggs is derived

Banks— shares the crisp one-syllable English surname-as-first-name energy

Hayes— fellow one-syllable American surname-name with presidential edge

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Riggs mean?

Riggs means ridge or son of Ridge, from the Old English hrycg meaning a long narrow hill or backbone.

How do you pronounce Riggs?

It is said RIGZ, one syllable.

Is Riggs a popular first name?

Riggs is rising as a first name in the United States, popular among parents who love rugged one-syllable surname names.

Where does the name Riggs come from?

Riggs is an English surname from the Old English hrycg meaning ridge, used as a first name since the late 20th century.