Place by the fountain or ridge farm
Derived from Old Norse elements, Kelby likely originated as a surname referring to a farm near a spring or a ridge. It follows the 'by' suffix pattern common in English place names of Scandinavian origin. While historically a surname, it has transitioned into a rare, gender-neutral given name.
Less common today
Kelby isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #746 in 1991.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
American politician and former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
American professional baseball infielder
