rippe

Rippe is a surname of German origin and the German noun for a rib. As a surname, Rippe likely derives from the common noun, possibly reflecting a habitational origin tied to a ridge or a nickname associated with a rib‑like feature. The name is most frequently found in German‑speaking regions such as Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, and it has spread to other areas through migration.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Rippe have appeared in various public contexts, including academia, sports, and the arts, though none are widely known internationally.

In addition to its use as a surname, Rippe is the ordinary German word for a rib, used in anatomical and medical terminology. The term appears in German‑language texts and expressions describing thoracic anatomy and related subjects.