Kerby is a unique and distinctive given name of Cornish origin. It is derived from the Cornish surname "Kirbee," which itself originates from the Old English personal name "Ciri Beorh," meaning "famous bear." The name has been used as both a first name and a surname throughout history, but it remains relatively rare compared to more common names.
The earliest recorded instance of the name Kerby is in the Cornish Assize Rolls of 1248, where a man named Richard Kirbei is listed. Over time, the spelling of the name has varied, with other forms including Kirbie, Kerbey, and Kirby. Despite these variations, the core meaning and origin of the name have remained consistent.
In terms of its history, the name Kerby does not have any specific historical figures or events associated with it. However, some notable individuals who bear this name include American baseball player Kerry Wood and British actor Jeremy Kyle. It is important to note that while these individuals share the name Kerby, their personal achievements and accomplishments are what make them famous rather than the name itself.
In summary, Kerby is a Cornish name with an interesting historical background. Its meaning, "famous bear," adds to its uniqueness and appeal. Although it may not be as widely known as some other names, those who bear the name Kerby can take pride in its distinctive origins and rich history.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Kerby in the United States from 1942 to 2022, it can be observed that there have been a total of 873 babies named Kerby born during this period. The name's popularity varied significantly over the decades.
In the early years (1942-1960), the number of births per year ranged from as low as 6 to as high as 27, with an average of approximately 13 births per year. The name seemed to gain some traction in the late 1950s and early 1960s, reaching its peak popularity during this time.
The 1970s saw a decline in the number of babies named Kerby, with fewer than 20 births each year on average. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with fewer than 15 births per year recorded for these decades.
In recent years (2000-2022), there has been a slight increase in the number of babies named Kerby, although it remains below the peak popularity levels seen in the 1960s. During this period, the number of births ranged from as low as 5 to as high as 12 per year.
Overall, while the name Kerby has not been consistently popular throughout its history in the United States, it has enjoyed periods of notable prominence, particularly during the mid-20th century. Despite fluctuations in popularity, the name has maintained a consistent presence among baby names over the past eight decades.