Selby Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Selby originates from Old Norse, meaning 'sallow farmstead'. It has evolved through various historical forms and is associated with rural life and heritage. The name does not have biblical roots, but it has gained recognition over the centuries, particularly in England. Today, Selby carries a traditional image and is appreciated for its uniqueness.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Selby"
Pronunciation
/ˈsɛlbi/
Origin
Old Norse
Etymology
The name Selby is derived from the Old Norse elements 'sel' meaning 'sallow' (a type of tree) and 'by' meaning 'farm' or 'settlement'. Thus, it essentially refers to a 'farmstead by the sallow trees'.
Meaning
sallow farmstead
Language Evolution
Selby, Selbi, Selb
Historical Usage
The name Selby gained popularity as a surname in medieval England, especially in Yorkshire, and later became more common as a given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Selbie, Selbey, Selb
Modern Popularity & Image
Selby is viewed as a traditional and somewhat unique name, often associated with English heritage and rural charm.
Famous People
Selby M. H. Jones, an American politician, Selby S. Smith, an American artist
📊 Selby Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Selby Name Visualizations
✨ Selby Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 26 peak births in 1993
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in North Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Selby"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Selby"
"Selby" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2298th of 7545 | 203 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2371st of 6773 | 185 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3112th of 7552 | 135 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5236th of 10718 | 60 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7633rd of 16616 | 65 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 15196th of 24088 | 30 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 6704th of 9204 | 21 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 9591st of 12526 | 17 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 11400th of 27321 | 75 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 11820th of 35406 | 121 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 15056th of 30306 | 54 |
Regional Popularity of "Selby" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
96.75% 2289th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
82.83% 1949th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Selby" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Selby"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Selby" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Selby" in the United States
The name Selby is most popular in North Carolina, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Silent Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Selby has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Selby' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2298th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2371st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3112th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5236th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7633rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 15196th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23106th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6704th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 9591st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11400th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 11820th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 15056th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Selby' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.