Shelby
Shelby is a girl's name of English origin.
Meaning
Willow farm or estate near the willows.
Origin and history
Shelby originated as an English habitational surname derived from elements meaning willow farm or estate. It transitioned into a popular given name in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly boosted by pop culture. Today, it remains a familiar classical-sounding choice across the country.
Popularity in the United States
148,830 babies in the United States have been named Shelby since 1880. It ranks #269 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #574.
States where it is most popular
- TX (9.2 %)
- CA (7.3 %)
- FL (4.6 %)
- OH (4.4 %)
- TN (4.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 46 |
| 1920-1930 | 95 |
| 1930-1940 | 6,077 |
| 1940-1950 | 4,895 |
| 1950-1960 | 3,075 |
| 1960-1970 | 3,267 |
| 1970-1980 | 5,970 |
| 1980-1990 | 7,881 |
| 1990-2000 | 71,995 |
| 2000-2010 | 31,310 |
| 2010-2019 | 11,216 |
| 2020-2029 | 3,003 |
Famous people named Shelby
- Shelby Lynne: Singer, Songwriter
- Shelby Young: Actress, Voice Actress
Nicknames
Shel, Shelb
Fun facts
- Shelby originally designated someone who lived near a farm or village where willow trees grew.
- The name experienced a notable surge in U.S. popularity during the 1990s following movie and television representations.