Origin & Meaning of the Melby Surname
What does the last name Melby mean?
The surname Melby 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 2,762 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Melby ranks as the #11,411 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Melby come from?
The Melby 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 Melby name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Melby 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 | Melby |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,411 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,762 |
| Per 100K People | 0.94 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Melby
According to the US Census, the Melby surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,762 Americans with the Melby last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.26% |
| Black | 0.87% |
| Hispanic | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 1.34% |
Popularity of Melby Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Melby surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Melby surname increased by 235 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Melby
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Melby.
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 Melby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melby
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