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 has been given to a total of 14,444 babies born in the United States between 1881 and 2023, according to the statistics provided.
Throughout this period, there have been fluctuations in the popularity of the name Kirby. In its early years, from 1881 to 1906, it was given to fewer than 15 babies per year on average. However, beginning in 1912, we see a significant increase in its usage, with an average of over 30 births per year until 1940.
The peak popularity of the name Kirby occurred between 1946 and 1960, during which time it was given to more than 300 babies each year. The years 1954 and 1957 saw the highest numbers of births for this name, with a total of 326 and 358 respectively.
After the 1960s, the popularity of Kirby began to decline steadily. From 1970 onwards, fewer than 300 babies were named Kirby each year on average. Despite this decrease in usage, the name remains somewhat popular, with at least 20 births recorded for each year between 1980 and 2023.
In recent years, from 2015 to 2023, there have been an average of approximately 45 births per year for Kirby. This demonstrates that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, it is still being chosen by parents across the United States today.