View Message

Meaning of the First Name
I have been trying to find out the origin and meaning of my first name: Kelby.
So far I have been able to find out that there are two origins and both have a similar type of meaning.
The first is Old English in origin, meaning "From The Farm", whilst the second is German in origin meaning "a Babbling Brook in the Country" (or something to that effect). As far as I can gather, the German origin is older than that of the English origin.
For the life of me, I cannot remember where I got this information regarding the German version, but my parents are my only other source of the Old English version.
I have no more information except to say that although I am male, I have heard on occasion (in films etc.) that this name may be used for either males or females.
I would appreciate any further information, or sources of information.
Thank you.
Kelby
vote up1vote down

Replies

KelbyHi Kelby,Kelby is a place name with Old Norse roots. The suffix -by means village. Kel- means either "spring, well" or refers to the Old Norse male name Kell/Kjell/Kjeld etc. (meaning: helmet).
So the meaning is either "village at the spring" or "Kell's village".Originally it was just a place name, later it became a male name and nowadays it's used as a female name as well. - The name isn't used in the Nordic countries allthough the roots are Norse.Regards, Satu
vote up1vote down