Shelby is a name of English origin, derived from the name of an English surname that was originally given to people who lived in the village of Shelby in Leicestershire, England. The village itself is believed to have been named after a person called 'Sci lǽf' which means 'happy meadow'.
The meaning behind the name Shelby is generally interpreted as 'happiness' or 'blissful meadow'. It has become increasingly popular as a given name for girls in recent years, although it has traditionally been used more often as a surname.
The first recorded use of the name Shelby as a given name was in the 19th century, but it did not begin to gain significant popularity until the mid-20th century. Today, it is considered to be a modern and stylish choice for parents looking for a unique yet recognizable name for their daughter.
Overall, the name Shelby has a pleasant sound and a meaningful origin that makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child with a positive association.
The name Shelby has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the early 20th century, it was quite uncommon with only a handful of births each year from 1913 to 1925. However, starting from 1927, there was a noticeable increase, with 11 births recorded that year.
The popularity of the name Shelby really began to take off in the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1936, there were 1,071 births, and by 1940, this number had grown to 1,996. The peak of popularity for Shelby was reached in 1947 with a record-breaking 3,825 births that year.
From the 1950s onwards, while the name remained popular, its frequency began to decline gradually. However, it maintained a consistent level of popularity through the end of the century and into the early 2000s. In fact, from 1976 to 2004, the number of births for Shelby stayed above 1,000 each year.
In recent years, while still a popular name, its frequency has continued to decline. As of 2022, there were only 444 recorded births with the name Shelby in the United States.
Overall, despite fluctuations over time, Shelby remains a distinctive and recognizable name throughout the past century in the United States. It is interesting to observe how societal trends and preferences have shaped its popularity over different decades.