Declining since 1992, #5,208 for boys today.
Popularity of Kelby since 1948
Babies named Kelby per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 0 | 10 |
| 1950s | 0 | 63 |
| 1960s | 0 | 86 |
| 1970s | 27 | 474 |
| 1980s | 115 | 637 |
| 1990s | 615 | 1,364 |
| 2000s | 469 | 829 |
| 2010s | 247 | 432 |
| 2020s | 90 | 124 |
Meaning & origin
Kelby is a surname-style given name that entered U.S. records in 1948 and saw its peak popularity in 1991, when it ranked highest. Since 1992, its usage has been steadily declining; by 2025 it ranked 5,208th with a 1-in-94,893 frequency. Though unisex, it has historically skewed male. The name has not been strongly associated with any particular region, with its top states being too sparse to note. Its etymology ties it to Old English roots meaning 'cold spring farm,' placing it among the many habitational surnames adopted as first names in mid-20th century America.
Kelby originates as an English surname derived from a place name, likely from Old English 'c(e)ald' (cold) or 'kelda' (a spring) combined with 'bȳ' (farmstead, village). It may also be a variant of the Scottish surname Kelbie. As a given name, it emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, following the trend of using surnames as first names.
Where Kelby 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kel, Kels
Sibling names for Kelby
Names that share Kelby's style, for a brother or sister.
