Kelby

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEL-bee /ˈkɛl.bi/High

Meaning: From the Norse/English place-name Kelby — variously 'a farm by the spring' and 'a dwelling place' (Old Norse kelda, 'a spring', plus byr, 'a farm, a settlement'); routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A farm by the spring: Kelby is a Norse/English surname — 'a farm by the spring'. Crisp, modern, and warm.

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Origin LowNorse, English

MeaningFrom the Norse/English place-name Kelby — variously 'a farm by the spring' and 'a dwelling place' (Old Norse kelda, 'a spring', plus byr, 'a farm, a settlement'); routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#5313 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births18 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1991

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,019

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kelby comes from the Norse/English place-name Kelby — variously 'a farm by the spring' and 'a dwelling place' (Old Norse kelda, 'a spring', plus byr, 'a farm, a settlement'; routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern surname-name (nickname Kel).

In the U.S. it appears as a fresh first name. Rare, a-farm-by-the-spring at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Kelby means 'a farm by the spring; a dwelling place' (Old Norse kelda, 'a spring', plus byr, 'a farm') — a crisp, modern surname-name (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'KEL-bee').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Kelby — surname; routes layered

Variations

KelbeyKelbieKilby

Nicknames

Kel

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kelby…

Colby— a sound-neighbor -by surname boys' name

Crosby— another -by surname boys' name

Kolby— shares the -by ending

Koby— a similarly popular pick

Kirby— a fellow English choice

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kelby mean?

Kelby is a Norse/English surname — 'a farm by the spring; a dwelling place'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Kelby?

It's said KEL-bee /ˈkɛl.bi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kelby a boy or girl name?

Kelby is a boy's name.

How popular is Kelby?

Kelby is a rare name in the U.S.