Surname Kerby - Meaning and Origin
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Kerby: What does the surname Kerby mean?
The surname Kerby is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from Old Norse origins. It is a topographic or locational name, reflecting the natural landscapes or geographical areas where the original bearers lived or held land. The name is derived from two Old Norse words, 'kirkja' meaning 'church' and 'byr' meaning 'farm or settlement'. So, the surname Kerby essentially means 'church farm' or 'settlement with a church'. Throughout history, it has had various spellings, including Kirby, Kirkby, and Kerby. Immigrants from the British Isles brought the surname to America, where it became quite common. Surnames were often used to distinguish individuals with common first names. Therefore, the surname Kerby can indicate a familial connection or location of origin, associating the bearers with a settlement near a prominent church or a farm owned by the church.
Order DNA origin analysisKerby: Where does the name Kerby come from?
The surname Kerby originates from England. It is derived from Old Norse elements, primarily from locations like Kirkby or Kirby, which mean "church settlement." It's a habitational surname, implying that the original bearers were named after the place they came from. Given the various places named Kirby throughout England, it is likely that families began to bear this name independently in different locations.
Kerby has several spelling variations including Kirby, Kirkby, and Kerbie. Emigrations over the centuries, especially during the time of British imperial expansion, have spread the surname globally. Today, the surname Kerby is most common in the United States, followed by England and Canada. Ancestors with the Kerby surname migrated to the US and Australia in the 17th and 19th centuries respectively. There are also some presences of the surname Kerby in New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales. Despite this dispersion, the concentration remains highest in its place of origin, England.
Variations of the surname Kerby
The surname Kerby may have a number of variants and spellings, which show the evolution of the name and it reflects regional national variations in language.
Alternate spellings for Kerby can include: Kirby, Kirbie, Kirbey, Kerbie, and Kerbey. These are most commonly found in English-speaking countries.
The name's origin could be traced to a number of sources. Some believe it originated from Old Norse, while others state that it is of Anglo-Saxon origin from the words "kirk" (church) and "by" (town). Therefore, Kirby could mean "church town".
In some instances, Kerby and its variants could be a patronymic surname, indicating that the person was the "son of Kirby". Other times, it could relate to geographic location, suggesting that the person lived in or near a place called Kirby or Kerby.
Though Kerby is most commonly used as a surname, it could also be used as a first name. Some families may have started using it as a given name due to the popularity of using surnames as first names in certain cultures.
Regardless, all these names are likely connected, stemming from the same linguistic roots and have developed different spellings and uses over time.
Famous people with the name Kerby
- Thomas Kerby: an American news anchor, radio host, and interviewer
- Robin Kerby: Canadian musician who specializes in Celtic, medieval, and Middle Eastern music
- Paige Kerby: Australian model and actress
- David Kerby: British actor who played the lead role in 'The Adventures of Peter of Preston'
- Turner Kerby: American film director and cinematographer
- Greg Kerby: Scottish footballer and current manager of Manchester United
- Karl Kerby: Canadian artist most known for his abstract oil paintings
- Barry Kerby: American football player who played for the New Orleans Saints
- Emma Kerby: American medical doctor and author of several books on medical history
- Mark Kerby: British author and theatre critic