Digby is a name of English origin that is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Þegbeor", which is composed of the elements "þegn" meaning "servant, retainer" and "-beor" meaning "bearer". The name was brought to England by the Vikings during their invasions and settlements in the British Isles.
The name Digby has a long history in England. It is first recorded as a surname in the early 13th century, where it appears as "Tegbe", "Tegbie" and "Degbye". Over time, the name evolved through various spellings such as "Digbie", "Dygby" and eventually "Digby".
The name Digby is associated with several notable figures in English history. The most famous of these is Sir Kenelm Digby (1603-1665), an English courtier, scholar, poet, and alchemist who served as a secretary to King Charles I during the English Civil War. He was also known for his adventurous life and his writings on topics such as love, philosophy, and natural history.
Today, Digby is still used as both a given name and a surname in England and other English-speaking countries. It has been popular in recent years due to its unique sound and historic significance. Despite its Scandinavian origins, the name Digby has come to be associated with English culture and tradition.
"The name Digby was given to 6 children in 2006 and another 5 in 2009, making a total of 11 babies named Digby over these two years."