Summary

The surname Colby has English origins and is derived from a place name. It originated from the Old Norse words 'koli' which means 'coal' and 'byr' which means 'settlement'. This suggests that the surname may have originally been used to describe someone who lived near a coal settlement. Over time, the surname Colby spread to various parts of the world.
There are
11278
Colbys in the USA
Colby is the
3204th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Colby

JosephColby

Joseph Colby was an American painter known for his landscapes and seascapes that captured the beauty of the New England coast.

MaryColby

Mary Colby was an English suffragette who fought for women's rights and was instrumental in the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century.

WilliamColby

William Colby was an American intelligence officer who served as the Director of Central Intelligence from 1973 to 1976. He played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War and was known for his controversial policies.

AndrewColby

Andrew Colby was a Scottish engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the field of mechanical engineering, particularly in the development of steam engines.

HelenColby

Helen Colby was an American actress known for her work in Broadway productions in the early 20th century. She gained critical acclaim for her performances in dramatic plays.

BenjaminColby

Benjamin Colby was an Australian explorer who conducted expeditions in the Australian outback and made important discoveries about the indigenous culture and geography of the region.

EmilyColby

Emily Colby was a Canadian journalist and author who wrote extensively about social issues and women's rights in Canada. She was an influential figure in the feminist movement.

RichardColby

Richard Colby was an English poet and writer known for his lyrical poetry and insightful essays on philosophy and nature. His works reflected a deep appreciation for the natural world.

GraceColby

Grace Colby was an American suffragette and political activist who campaigned for women's rights and played a vital role in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

GeorgeColby

George Colby was a British explorer who embarked on expeditions to the Arctic region in the 19th century. He made significant discoveries about the geography and wildlife of the region.

Colby Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Colby' is of English origin and is derived from a place name. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name 'Kolbi' and the Old English word 'by', which means 'farm' or 'settlement'. The name originally referred to someone who lived near or worked on a farm owned by a person named Kolbi.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Colby' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. It is also found in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom and Canada.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Colby' include 'Colbie', 'Colbi', 'Colbee', 'Colbey', 'Colbiee', 'Colbea', 'Colbey', 'Khoby', and 'Colley'.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Colby' has been carried by immigrants to various countries, particularly during periods of English colonization and migration. Many individuals with the surname 'Colby' can trace their ancestry back to England.