Origin and Meaning of Kirby

Settlement by a church or a village church

Origin: Old Norse / Old English - Derived from the Old Norse elements 'kirkja' meaning 'church' and 'by' meaning 'settlement'.

• Kirby initially appeared as a surname in England, denoting geographical origin and often linked to settlement names that indicated proximity to a church.
• The name is used in various cultures, particularly in English-speaking countries, and has a history of being both a surname and given name.
• Notable figures with the name Kirby include Kirby Puckett, a famous American professional baseball player, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste, a British actress known for her work on television.
• The popularity of Kirby as a given name peaked in the mid-20th century, with a resurgence attributed to its association with gaming, particularly from the Nintendo character Kirby.
• Variations of the name include Kerby and Kirbie, and the name has also inspired its usage in popular culture, including the beloved video game character and franchise.