'ridge' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hrycg', where 'hrycg' meant 'back' or 'ridge'.

'ridge' changed from Old English word 'hrycg' into Middle English forms like 'rigge' or 'rygge' and eventually became the modern English word 'ridge'.

Initially, it meant 'back' (as of a person or animal), but over time it evolved into its current primary meaning of 'a raised strip or crest on a surface'.