Selby is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name 'Seolfe', which means 'seal'. The name Seolfe was quite popular during the Anglo-Saxon period, and it is believed to have been used by several historical figures.
The surname Selby, on the other hand, is derived from a place name in Yorkshire, England. The town of Selby is situated on the River Ouse and was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Seolfehaga'. The name likely means 'settlement of the people of Seolf', where Seolf is an Old English personal name.
Despite its English origins, the name Selby has also been used in other countries. In Australia, for example, Selby was a popular given name during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is also found in New Zealand and Canada.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Selby. These include Sir Thomas Selby, an English soldier and politician who fought in the Wars of the Roses, and Selina Selby, a Jamaican sprinter who competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Today, Selby remains a relatively uncommon given name, but it is still used occasionally. It may appeal to parents looking for a distinctive yet traditional name with a strong historical background.
The name Selby experienced fluctuations in its popularity over the course of a century, with peaks in certain years and valleys in others. The highest number of births occurred in 1922, with 24 babies named Selby born that year. However, there were also several years with only five or six births, indicating periods when the name was less common. Overall, there were a total of 683 births recorded for the name Selby during this period.