Origin and Meaning of Denby

Meaning & Origin

Derived from the Old Norse elements meaning 'valley' and 'home', often interpreted as 'valley of the Danish'.

Origin: English - Originally an English surname, derived from a place name in Yorkshire and other regions, combining the Old Norse 'dalr' (valley) and 'by' (home or farm).

Interesting Facts

  • Denby is both a surname and a given name, with roots tracing back to the Norse settlements in England.
  • The name Denby is more commonly used as a surname, but has gained traction as a first name, particularly in modern times.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Denby Fawcett, an American journalist, and Denby van der Hoven, a South African artist.
  • While not extremely common, Denby has seen a slight rise in popularity as a unique choice for baby names in recent years.
  • Variations and related names include Denbee and Denbigh, which reflect different geographic locations in Wales and England.