Colby

Colby is a British surname with its origins dating back to ancient times. This surname is of locational origin, derived from various places named Colby in different parts of England. These places are believed to have been named from the Old Norse elements "koli," meaning "charcoal," and "byr," meaning "farm" or "settlement," suggesting that these locations were associated with charcoal production.

The Colby surname is found in England, particularly in the northern regions such as Cumberland, Northumberland, and Yorkshire. It is thought to have spread to other parts of the country over the centuries.

Notable individuals with the surname Colby include John Colby, an English actor known for his roles in British theatre, and Sarah Colby, a renowned British architect known for her innovative designs.

The surname Colby has a rich history and is a part of the diverse tapestry of British surnames that reflect the country's cultural and historical heritage.

There are approximately 870 people named Colby in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,225th most common surname in Britain. Around 13 in a million people in Britain are named Colby.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Amanda
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Tina

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.