SELBY
Selby
Origin and Meaning Selby is a surname of English origin, deriving from a place name in North Yorkshire, England. The town of Selby is known for its historic abbey and its picturesque setting on the River Ouse. The surname Selby is believed to mean "farmstead or village by the willow trees". It is a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearers of the name hailed from or held land in the town of Selby or its surrounding areas.
History The surname Selby dates back to the medieval period in England. The first recorded instance of the name is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the town of Selby is mentioned. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Selby spread across different regions of England and beyond, with various branches of the family establishing themselves in different areas.
Selby has a rich history and has been associated with notable figures over the centuries. The Selby family has been linked to land ownership, religious institutions, and various professions, contributing to the social and cultural fabric of England.
Notable Individuals
- William Selby (1713–1788): An English organist, composer, and music publisher known for his contributions to sacred music.
- Joan Selby-Lowndes (1900–1976): An English actress known for her performances on stage and screen during the mid-20th century.
- Martin Selby (b. 1965): A British entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for his contributions to various charitable causes.
Variants Variants of the surname Selby include Selbie, Selsby, and Selbey. These variations may have emerged through regional dialects, transliterations, or phonetic changes over time.
The surname Selby continues to be borne by individuals and families in the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, maintaining a connection to the historical roots and heritage associated with the town of Selby in North Yorkshire.
There are approximately 7,852 people named Selby in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,197th most common surname in Britain. Around 121 in a million people in Britain are named Selby.
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
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jane
- Karen
- Laura
- Linda
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan