As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

(origin: Local) A market-town in west Yorkshire, England, on the Ouse. Danish, Seile, to sail, to navigate, and by, a town. Seil, a sail. A place of boats or sails.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

SELBY. A town in Yorkshire, and a township in Northumberland. Riddleston, in the latter county, was granted in 1272, by King Edward I., to Sir Walter de Selby, and it has ever since remained in the possession of his descendants, Shirley's Noble and Gentle Men,

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.