'ripple' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'ripel' or 'ripple', likely of imitative (onomatopoeic) origin referring to small waves or ripple sounds.

'ripple' changed from Middle English 'ripel'/'ripple' into the modern English word 'ripple', with the verb and noun senses in use since the late Middle Ages; 'rippling' is the gerund/participle form formed by adding the -ing suffix.

Initially, it referred to a small wave or the movement producing such waves; over time this core meaning has remained, while figurative senses (effects spreading outward) developed.