Origin & Meaning of the Osby Surname
What does the last name Osby mean?
The surname Osby carries the meaning "Surname with roots in African American heritage." It is derived from the English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,573 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Osby ranks as the #17,798 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Osby come from?
The Osby surname has its roots in African American heritage. Names of African American 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 Osby name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Osby trace back to English. 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 | Osby |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Surname with roots in African American heritage |
| Origin | African American |
| Language | English |
| US Rank (2010) | #17,798 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,573 |
| Per 100K People | 0.53 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Osby
According to the US Census, the Osby surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,573 Americans with the Osby last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 11.82% |
| Black | 81.56% |
| Hispanic | 2.03% |
| Two or More Races | 4.13% |
Popularity of Osby Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Osby surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Osby surname increased by 64 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Osby Family
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- ✓ The Osby coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Osby
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Osby.
Other African American Surnames
Explore more surnames with African American roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same African American origin as Osby.
Frequently Asked Questions About Osby
Top Surnames Starting with O
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter O, ranked by population.
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