Kerby is a unique and intriguing name with a fascinating history and meaning. It is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "cercbu", which means "round, circle". The name Kerby is believed to have been first used as a place name in England, referring to settlements that were originally round or circular in shape.
Throughout history, the name Kerby has been associated with several notable individuals. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Sir Thomas Kerby (1580-1643), an English judge and politician who served as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies during the early 17th century. Sir Thomas Kerby is remembered today for his role in the prosecution of King Charles I, and his eventual execution following the English Civil War.
In more recent times, the name Kerby has gained popularity as a given name for boys. While it may not be one of the most common names in use today, its unique sound and historical significance make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
Overall, the name Kerby is a fascinating example of how language and history can come together to create a meaningful and memorable name. Its origins in Old English place names and its association with notable historical figures give it a rich and intriguing background that continues to captivate people today.
The name Kerby has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations in its annual birth count. In the period from 1983 to 1997, there were a total of 122 babies named Kerby born in the U.S.
The peak years for the name Kerby were 1984 and 1992, each with 21 and 11 births respectively. This indicates that these two years were particularly popular for the name among parents choosing names beginning with the letter K.
However, there was a noticeable decline in the popularity of the name Kerby after 1986, as seen by the decreasing birth numbers from 9 births in 1988 to 5 births in both 1994 and 1995. This downward trend continued until 1997, with only 8 births that year.
Despite these fluctuations, it's important to note that even in its least popular years, there were still babies named Kerby born annually, showing that the name has maintained a consistent, if not widespread, presence among parents' choices over this two-decade span.