Selby
Selby is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Willow farm or farmstead near the willows.
Origin and history
Selby originates as an English place name and habitational surname, derived from Old Norse elements meaning a farmstead or settlement near willow trees. Historically used as a given name for boys, it remains relatively rare in contemporary United States birth records. It offers a classic, traditional surname-as-a-given-name option for parents.
Popularity in the United States
688 babies in the United States have been named Selby since 1880. It ranks #3988 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1922.
States where it is most popular
- NC (100 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 5 |
| 1910-1920 | 82 |
| 1920-1930 | 142 |
| 1930-1940 | 108 |
| 1940-1950 | 75 |
| 1950-1960 | 78 |
| 1960-1970 | 53 |
| 1970-1980 | 40 |
| 1980-1990 | 17 |
| 1990-2000 | 54 |
| 2000-2010 | 19 |
| 2010-2019 | 10 |
| 2020-2029 | 5 |
Fun facts
- The name originally denoted someone from Selby, a town in North Yorkshire, England.
- The element '-by' comes from Old Norse 'býr', meaning a village or farmstead.