Origin & Meaning of the Derby Surname
What does the last name Derby mean?
The surname Derby carries the meaning "Of or from." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,822 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Derby ranks as the #5,921 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Derby come from?
The Derby surname has its roots in French/Spanish heritage. Names of French/Spanish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Derby name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Derby trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Derby |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of or from |
| Origin | French/Spanish |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,921 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,822 |
| Per 100K People | 1.97 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Derby
According to the US Census, the Derby surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,822 Americans with the Derby last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.78% |
| Black | 5.32% |
| Hispanic | 2.8% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 1.79% |
Popularity of Derby Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Derby surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Derby surname increased by 7 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Derby Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Derby
- ✓ The Derby coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Derby families live today
- ✓ Notable Derby bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Derby
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Derby.
Other French/Spanish Surnames
Explore more surnames with French/Spanish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French/Spanish origin as Derby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Derby
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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