Origin and Meaning of Kilby

Meaning & Origin

From the farm by the river

Origin: English - Kilby is derived from Old Norse 'kví' meaning 'a pen for animals' or 'kvísl' meaning 'branch', combined with 'by' which means 'farm' or 'settlement'.

Interesting Facts

  • Kilby is a surname that has been used as a first name and is particularly common in England.
  • In some contexts, Kilby may also refer to locations in England, such as Kilby in Leicestershire, which adds a geographical significance to the name.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Kilby Snow, a prominent American politician and businessman in the 20th century.
  • As a given name, Kilby is relatively rare today, seeing varied popularity across different regions but often embracing a vintage revival.
  • Variations of the name may include Kilbee or Kylby, which reflect similar phonetic structures.