Last Name Ripert

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ripert

The meaning and origin of the last name Ripert

The surname Ripert is of French origin, derived from the Old German name "Rupert," which means "bright fame." The name was popularized during the Middle Ages by Saint Rupert, the Bishop of Salzburg, who played an influential role in both Christianity and politics in the region. As the Norman Conquest of England occurred around the 11th century, many French settlers migrated to England, bringing their names with them, including Ripert. Over time, variations in spelling emerged due to differences in pronunciation and transliteration, such as Rebert, Rebeurt, Rebert, and Ribert. Today, the surname Ripert is primarily found in France and English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ripert

The surname Ripert is primarily found in France, particularly in the regions of Brittany and the French Basque Country, where it originated as a toponymic name derived from places named with the word "Ribert" or its variations, which mean "bank of the river." The name has also spread throughout other parts of France due to migration. Outside France, there are significant communities of people with the Ripert surname in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Venezuela and Cuba, as a result of historical immigration from France during the colonial era. Additionally, small populations can be found in Canada, Belgium, and the United States, often tracing their roots to French immigrants or descendants who migrated to these countries over various periods.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ripert

The surname Ripert has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of the most common forms:

1. Rippert: This variation is a phonetic spelling of the original French name, with a slight modification to conform more closely to German spelling conventions.
2. De Ripert: The "de" prefix is often added to French surnames by noble families or those who had acquired land or titles over time.
3. De Rypert: This variation may be an attempt to represent the name using a different set of phonetic rules, with "y" replacing the "i" sound in the original spelling.
4. Du Rippe: This is another possible modification due to differences in regional pronunciation and scribal interpretation of the original name over time.
5. De Ryppes: The addition of an "s" at the end may reflect a plural form or an attempt to add a possessive suffix, although this variation is less common compared to other spellings.

Famous people with the last name Ripert

Eric Ripert is a renowned French chef who immigrated to the United States and became the executive chef at Le Bernardin restaurant in New York City, which has been consistently ranked as one of the world's best restaurants. He is also a television personality, author, and humanitarian. Anthony Bourdain, a celebrated American chef, author, and travel documentarian, was also known as Ripert's close friend and professional colleague. They co-starred in the television show "A Cook's Tour" and wrote the cookbook "Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles Cookbook" together. Marc Ripert is a French professional tennis player who has competed on the ATP Tour, while Jean Riopert was a well-known French composer and musician who won several awards in France during the 1960s and 1970s.

Genealogical research on the last name Ripert

The surname Ripert originates from France and is believed to have derived from various places named Rivière, meaning 'river' in French. One of the earliest records of the family can be traced back to the 12th century in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon, where a certain Richard de Ripert was mentioned. The family later settled in Brittany and Normandy, and some branches migrated to England during the Norman Conquest. Notable individuals with the surname include Jacques-Yves Cousteau, a famous French oceanographer, and Jean-Pierre Ripert, an acclaimed chef. The Ripert family has also been associated with various noble lineages in France, such as the House of Rohan and the House of Guise. The name has since spread globally due to migrations and marriages over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ripert"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 24 July 2025