WILLBY
Willby
Willby is a British surname with origins that can be traced back to medieval times. The surname is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "wilig," which means "willow tree," and "by," which means "farm" or "settlement." The name likely referred to someone who lived near a willow tree or a willow farm.
The first recorded instance of the surname Willby dates back to the 13th century in the county of Yorkshire. Over time, the surname has spread to various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, carried by families who migrated for work or other opportunities.
Like many surnames, Willby may have undergone variations in spelling over the centuries, including Willbie, Willbey, and Willbe. Today, individuals with the surname Willby can be found across the world, with notable concentrations in the United Kingdom and former British colonies.
The study of the Willby surname is often facilitated by genealogists and historians interested in tracing family lineages and understanding migration patterns. As with many surnames, individuals with the surname Willby may have diverse backgrounds and stories that contribute to the rich tapestry of British history and culture.
There are approximately 113 people named Willby in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Willby.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Graham
- John
Female