Origin & Meaning of the Kirby Surname
What does the last name Kirby mean?
The surname Kirby 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 53,767 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kirby ranks as the #633 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kirby come from?
The Kirby 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 Kirby name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kirby 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 | Kirby |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #633 |
| US Count (2010) | 53,767 |
| Per 100K People | 18.23 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kirby
According to the US Census, the Kirby surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 53,767 Americans with the Kirby last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.9% |
| Black | 9.16% |
| Hispanic | 1.93% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.73% |
| Two or More Races | 1.78% |
Popularity of Kirby Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kirby surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kirby surname increased by 1,294 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kirby Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kirby ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Kirby Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kirby Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kirby
- ✓ The Kirby coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kirby families live today
- ✓ Notable Kirby 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 Kirby
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kirby.
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 Kirby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kirby
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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