Declining since 1987, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Kerby since 1942
Babies named Kerby per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1961, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kerby's real moment was 1972.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 0 | 31 |
| 1950s | 0 | 129 |
| 1960s | 0 | 172 |
| 1970s | 0 | 147 |
| 1980s | 68 | 134 |
| 1990s | 54 | 133 |
| 2000s | 0 | 88 |
| 2010s | 0 | 28 |
| 2020s | 0 | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Kerby is a rare English given name that emerged in the mid-20th century, first recorded in 1942. Its usage peaked in 1972, when it achieved its highest popularity, though it never ranked among the top names. Since 1987, the name has been in steady decline, reflecting shifting naming trends away from surname-style names that were more common in mid-century America. Today, Kerby is given to roughly 1 in 341,615 newborns, making it an uncommon choice. The name's trajectory suggests it remains a niche option, often chosen for its resemblance to the more established surname Kirby, with which it shares etymology. Without a consistent top state association, Kerby's usage is scattered, reinforcing its status as a rare and personal choice.
Kerby is likely a variant of the English surname and place name Kirby, which derives from Old Norse 'kirkja' (church) and 'býr' (settlement). Alternatively, it may come from Old English 'cyrice' (church) and 'burh' (fortress). The surname was adopted as a given name in the 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Kirby
Sibling names for Kerby
Names that share Kerby's style, for a brother or sister.
