All about the name COLBY

Meaning, origin, history.

Colby is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "colbe," which means "coal" or "black." However, it is not to be confused with the similar-sounding name Columbus, which has a different origin and meaning.

The name Colby is often associated with coal mining towns in England, as it was commonly given to children born into families who worked in these mines. In fact, there are several places named Colby in England, including one in Northamptonshire and another on the Isle of Wight.

While the meaning of Colby is straightforward and tied to its English roots, its history is not as well-documented as some other names. It does not appear in many historical records or literature, making it somewhat difficult to trace its origins with certainty. However, it is believed that the name may have been used sparingly throughout history before becoming more popular in recent decades.

Today, Colby is a unisex name that is often given to boys and girls alike. Despite its association with coal mining towns, it has shed some of its rustic connotations and is now seen as a modern, fashionable choice for parents looking for unique names for their children. It has gained popularity in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

In conclusion, Colby is an English name with a simple yet meaningful origin. While its history may not be as rich or well-documented as some other names, it has nonetheless carved out its own place in popular culture and continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.

See also

English

Popularity of the name COLBY since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

Based on the statistics provided for the name Colby in the United States from 1950 to 2023, we can observe several trends over time.

From 1950 to around 1980, the number of births with the name Colby fluctuated between 5 and 42 births per year. The peak during this period was in 1974, with 40 births.

However, beginning in 1983, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Colby, reaching an all-time high in 1987 with 138 births in that year alone. This trend continued until around 1992, with consistently high numbers of births each year.

After this peak period, the number of births with the name Colby began to decline gradually but steadily. From 1993 onwards, the annual number of births fell below 150, and by the late 1990s and early 2000s, it was consistently below 100.

By the year 2010, the popularity of the name Colby had fallen significantly, with fewer than 70 births recorded each year. This trend continued into the 2020s, with only 64 births in 2022 and 47 births in 2023.

In total, over the period from 1950 to 2023, there were 4074 births recorded with the name Colby in the United States.