Kirby is a name of Irish origin that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Ciarbhaigh," which means "noble descendant." The name Kirby is believed to have originated from an ancient Irish tribe known as the Ciarbaigh, who were based in County Offaly.
The meaning of the name Kirby is "noble descendant" or "noble bright one." It is often associated with nobility and brightness, reflecting the ancient origins of the name. In some cases, it may also be interpreted to mean "from the hill fort," referring to the defensive structures built by early Irish tribes.
Throughout history, the name Kirby has been used in various forms throughout Ireland and other parts of the world where there was significant Irish influence. It is a rare but distinctive name that stands out due to its unique sound and meaning.
In popular culture, the name Kirby may be most recognized as the main character in the video game series of the same name created by Nintendo. While not directly related to the origin or meaning of the name, this character has helped to make Kirby more widely known and beloved by many people around the world.
The name Kirby appears to have been quite popular during the early to mid-20th century, with a notable increase in births from around 1950 onwards, peaking in 1956 with 343 births. However, it seems the popularity of this name has significantly declined since then, with fewer than 50 Kirby births recorded each year from 2005 onwards. In total, there have been 14,444 births named Kirby between 1881 and 2023.