History and Significance of the Surname Kilby

The History and Distribution of the Surname Kilby

The surname Kilby is of English origin and is believed to be locational, deriving from the hamlet of Kilby in Leicestershire. The place name itself is thought to mean 'the farmstead or village of Cylla's people', with Cylla being a personal name of Old English origin. It is common for surnames to originate from the names of villages, towns, or geographical features, with individuals taking on the name of their place of origin as a way to distinguish themselves from others.

Origins of the Surname Kilby

According to historical records, the first known recording of the surname Kilby dates back to the reign of King Edward III in 1353, where a Thomas de Kilby was mentioned in the Subsidy Rolls of the county of Leicestershire. This suggests that the surname has ancient roots in the region, and has likely been passed down through generations over the centuries.

Over time, the surname Kilby spread beyond its original place of origin in Leicestershire to other parts of England and eventually to other countries around the world. The distribution of the surname can be traced through records such as census data, vital records, and immigration records, which provide valuable insights into the movement of individuals bearing the Kilby surname.

Distribution of the Surname Kilby

Based on available data, the surname Kilby is most commonly found in the United States, with a reported incidence of 5668 individuals bearing the surname. This is followed by the United Kingdom, with 2752 occurrences in England, 174 in Wales, 60 in Scotland, and 13 in Northern Ireland. Other countries with notable incidences of the surname include Australia (1381), Canada (629), Liberia (235), New Zealand (66), and South Africa (26).

While the surname Kilby is most prevalent in English-speaking countries, it has also been recorded in other parts of the world, such as Sweden, France, Switzerland, Spain, Pakistan, Germany, and Italy, among others. These occurrences may be the result of migration, colonization, or other historical factors that have led to the dispersion of individuals bearing the Kilby surname.

It is interesting to note that despite the wide distribution of the surname Kilby, it remains relatively rare in many countries, with only a few occurrences reported in some regions. This suggests that the surname has maintained its distinctiveness and is not as common as some other names that have a longer history or wider spread.

Significance of the Surname Kilby

As with many surnames, the surname Kilby carries with it a sense of identity, belonging, and heritage for those who bear it. For individuals with the Kilby surname, knowing the history and distribution of their name can provide a deeper connection to their roots and a better understanding of their place in the world.

Whether as a reminder of their ancestral ties to a specific place or as a symbol of their family lineage, the surname Kilby serves as a link to the past and a testament to the enduring nature of names and their significance in shaping individual and collective identities.

Overall, the surname Kilby is a testament to the rich tapestry of human history and the diverse origins of names that have been handed down through generations. By exploring the history and distribution of the Kilby surname, we gain a greater appreciation for the complexities of language, culture, and identity that define who we are and where we come from.