KIRBY

Kirby

Origin and Meaning

The British surname Kirby derives from the Old Norse word "kirkja-byr," which means "church settlement." The name likely originated as a locational or topographical surname for individuals who resided near a church or in a church settlement.

History

The Kirby surname has its roots in England and can be traced back to the early medieval period. Variants of the name, such as Kerby and Kirkby, have also been documented in historical records. The Kirby family name is found primarily in regions such as Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and other parts of northern England.

Notable People

• Josh Kirby (1928–2001) - A British artist known for his sci-fi and fantasy illustrations, including the iconic covers for Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.

• Geoffrey Kirby (1914–2009) - A British physicist and expert in cosmic ray research, particularly known for his contributions to the study of solar activity.

Pop Culture References

The Kirby surname has also made its way into popular culture through various mediums, such as literature, film, and video games. It is sometimes used as a character name or as part of fictional settings.

Variants

Over time, the Kirby surname has seen various spelling variations, including Kerby, Kirkby, and Kerbie, among others.

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
• David
• James
• John
• Michael
• Paul
• Peter
• Richard
• Stephen

Female

• Elizabeth
• Emma
• Helen
• Jacqueline
• Jennifer
• Karen
• Margaret
• Mary
• Nicola
• Patricia
• Sarah
• Susan

Similar and related surnames

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