Eldridge is an English surname derived from the given name Aldric. Aldric itself comes from a Germanic name composed of the elements alt "old" and rih "ruler, king", giving the meaning "old ruler". The name was brought to England by the Normans and was often spelled Aldrich or Aldridge; Eldridge is a common variant form. As a surname, Eldridge is widespread in English-speaking countries. According to the 2010 United States Census, Eldridge is the 1,402nd most common surname in the U.S., with nearly 25,300 bearers. The name is most frequently found among white individuals (81.79%) and Black or African American individuals (12.81%). The name is also associated with a handful of place names, such as Eldridge, a census-designated place in Sonoma County, California. Famous bearers include American jazz multi-instrumentalist Roy Eldridge, known for his trumpet work, and American folk singer-songwriter Pamela Monday (born Peggy Eldridge). Given its noble meaning—"old ruler"—Eldridge carries a sense of wisdom and authority. While originally a surname, it has occasionally been used as a given name in contemporary times. Meaning: "old ruler" (from Germanic alt + rih) Origin: German/English (variant of Aldrich) Type: Surname (also occasional given name) Usage regions: English-speaking countries, especially the United States and United Kingdom