SHELBY
Shelby
Shelby is a British surname with English origins. The surname is derived from a place name, likely from the Old English words "scir" meaning 'boundary' and "leah" meaning 'woodland' or 'clearing,' which therefore translates to 'boundary clearing.'
The Shelby surname can be traced back to early medieval England when surnames were used to distinguish individuals based on their occupation, location, or personal characteristics. Over the centuries, the Shelby name has been recorded in various forms such as Schelby, Schilby, Shelbey, and Shilbey, reflecting the phonetic changes in the English language.
Notable individuals bearing the surname Shelby include the British designer and founder of Shelby & Company Ltd, Thelma Cazalet-Keir (née Shelby), who was influential in the British fashion industry in the early 20th century.
Today, the Shelby surname continues to be found in various parts of the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries, often with different spelling variations. The name has also gained popularity as a given name, inspired by its usage in popular culture, particularly in literature and film.
There are approximately 58 people named Shelby in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Shelby.
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
- Barry
- Brian
- David
- Jonathan
- Mike
Female
- Geraldine
- Sara
- Sarah
- Thelma