The Vampires Diaries has several types of supernatural creatures, such as witches, werewolves, hybrids, and, of course, vampires, with the most dangerous type being known as the Rippers. Throughout The Vampire Diaries eight-season run, the show introduced different categories of vampires. While all vampires were essentially the same and had similar abilities, a few characteristics made some of the creatures of the night different.

https://screenrant.com/vampire-diaries-rippers-category-nickname-explained/