Origin & Meaning of the Kilby Surname
What does the last name Kilby mean?
The surname Kilby carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,412 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kilby ranks as the #7,534 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kilby come from?
The Kilby surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Kilby name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kilby trace back to European. 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 | Kilby |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,534 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,412 |
| Per 100K People | 1.5 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kilby
According to the US Census, the Kilby surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,412 Americans with the Kilby last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.55% |
| Black | 5.98% |
| Hispanic | 2.27% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.32% |
| Native American | 0.41% |
| Two or More Races | 1.47% |
Popularity of Kilby Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kilby surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kilby surname increased by 49 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kilby Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kilby ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Kilby Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kilby Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kilby
- ✓ The Kilby coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kilby families live today
- ✓ Notable Kilby bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Kilby
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kilby.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Kilby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilby
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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