Shelby
Shelby is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Willow farm, or estate on a ledge.
Origin and history
Shelby originated as an English surname derived from a place name meaning 'willow farm' or 'estate on a ledge'. Originally used predominantly for boys in early U.S. records, it gained widespread popularity for girls in the late 20th century while remaining a classic masculine option. Today, it is less common for boys but remains a recognizable traditional unisex name.
Popularity in the United States
16,449 babies in the United States have been named Shelby since 1880. It ranks #919 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1661.
States where it is most popular
- TX (14.4 %)
- KY (13.2 %)
- LA (10.1 %)
- MS (7.9 %)
- AR (6.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 115 |
| 1890-1900 | 144 |
| 1900-1910 | 193 |
| 1910-1920 | 792 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,225 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,470 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,642 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,382 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,375 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,745 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,613 |
| 1990-2000 | 3,271 |
| 2000-2010 | 835 |
| 2010-2019 | 381 |
| 2020-2029 | 266 |
Famous people named Shelby
- Shelby Foote: Historian, Novelist
- Shelby Highsmith: Judge, Lawyer
Fun facts
- Shelby transitioned from an English habitation surname to a given name in the United States during the 19th century.
- Although often considered feminine today due to a late-20th-century surge, Shelby was historically given mostly to boys in early U.S. records.