Kilby

Kilby is a surname of English origin, derived from a place name. It is thought to originate from Kilby in Leicestershire, which means 'farmstead by the church' or 'farmstead of a man named Cylla'. The 'kirk' or 'church' element is from Old Norse 'kirkja' or Old English 'cirice', while 'by' is from Old Norse 'býr' meaning 'farm' or 'settlement'. Over time, this place name evolved into a surname, and subsequently, it has been occasionally adopted as a given name, predominantly for males but with some unisex usage.

The transition of place names and surnames to given names is a common phenomenon in English naming traditions. Kilby, as a given name, remains relatively rare, often chosen for its distinctive sound and connection to English heritage. Its usage as a first name is more contemporary, reflecting a trend towards using less common surnames as given names.