Origin and Meaning of Shelby

Meaning & Origin

From the estate on the hill

Origin: English - Derived from an Old Norse place name, comprising elements 'shel' (shelf, ledge) and 'by' (farm, settlement).

Interesting Facts

  • Shelby began as a surname, which has been adopted as a given name, particularly in the United States.
  • The name has been popular for both genders but has seen a more pronounced usage as a female name in recent decades.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Shelby Lynne, an American country singer and songwriter, and Shelby Cobra, the famous sports car.
  • Shelby experienced a spike in popularity during the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, before declining slightly in recent years.
  • Variations of the name include Shelbie, Shelbyann, and variations in spelling like Shelbie.