KIRKBY
Kirkby
Kirkby is a surname of English origin, believed to derive from the Old Norse word kirkja, meaning 'church', and the Old Norse word byr, meaning 'settlement' or 'farmstead'. The name therefore likely originated from a person who lived near or worked at a church or church settlement.
The Kirkby surname has been found predominantly in the North of England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire. Historical records show that the surname has been present in the region for centuries, with variations such as Kirby and Kerby also being recorded.
Notable individuals who have borne the surname Kirkby include:
- William Kirkby (c. 1200–1245), a medieval canon lawyer
- Maria Kirkby (1908–2003), a British artist known for her landscape paintings
- James Kirkby (b. 1985), a contemporary English musician and songwriter
Through the centuries, the Kirkby surname has spread beyond its English origins to other parts of the world, particularly countries with historical ties to the British Empire. The continued use of the surname in modern times reflects its enduring presence and significance within English-speaking communities.
There are approximately 3,147 people named Kirkby in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,872nd most common surname in Britain. Around 48 in a million people in Britain are named Kirkby.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Carol
- Christine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Joanne
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan