Declining since 2002, #615 for boys today.
Popularity of Colby since 1888
Babies named Colby per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 5 |
| 1890s | 0 | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 | 0 |
| 1910s | 0 | 32 |
| 1920s | 0 | 90 |
| 1930s | 0 | 73 |
| 1940s | 0 | 137 |
| 1950s | 65 | 225 |
| 1960s | 46 | 430 |
| 1970s | 303 | 2,754 |
| 1980s | 906 | 6,843 |
| 1990s | 1,210 | 14,261 |
| 2000s | 858 | 19,182 |
| 2010s | 475 | 7,199 |
| 2020s | 321 | 2,740 |
Meaning & origin
Colby is a name of English origin, derived from a surname that once described a settlement associated with a person named Koli or with coal. First recorded in U.S. data in 1888, it remained relatively uncommon for decades before climbing steadily. Its peak came in 2001 when it ranked highest in popularity, but it has been falling since 2002. As of 2025, Colby stands at rank 615 with a frequency of 1 in 3,754 births, a notable decline from its earlier heights. The name has been most favored in states like West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Kansas, reflecting a broader pattern of surname-style names resonating in regions with strong family-name traditions. Despite its downturn, Colby retains a sturdy, outdoorsy feel that appeals to parents seeking a name that is familiar but not overly common.
Colby derives from an English surname, itself from a place name in Norfolk, England. The place name combines the Old Norse personal name Koli (meaning 'coal, dark') or kol ('coal') with býr ('settlement, village'). The name was adopted as a given name in the United States following the popularity of surnames as first names, particularly in the 20th century.
Where Colby is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Colby” around the world
Where Colby lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Col, Coby
Variants: Kolby
Sibling names for Colby
Names that share Colby's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Carson, Piper, Mackenzie, Avery, Blake, Codi, Dakotah, Kacey, Kaci, Arizona, Brinkley, Cailee, Caley, Chesney, Kacee, Kodie, Laramie, Chelcie, Kalley, Kierstan, Tequilla, Cassidee, Chesnee, Haely, Rayley, Shelbe, Cambrea, Cambrey, Mosley
Brothers: Carter, Landon, Dylan, Tyler, Cooper, Cody, Coty, Courtland, Dakoda, Kobey, Rockford, Toddrick, Utah, Coburn, Tipton, Channin
Names like Colby
Names whose popularity has moved with Colby's over the last 50 years.
