Shelby Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Shelby Name Meaning

Fact: The name Shelby is associated with the legendary American car designer Carroll Shelby, known for creating the Shelby Cobra sports car and the Shelby Mustang.

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A Deep Dive

Shelby Overview

Meaning

From the estate on the ledge, willow

Gender

Girl, Gender-neutral

Origin

Old Norse

Etymology

Coming from the Old Norse elements “scylf” (shelf) and “byr” (settlement), meaning “from the estate on a ledge.”

Pronunciation

/ˈʃɛl.bi/

Popularity

Shelby has enjoyed popularity in both Western and Eastern cultures due to its melodic sound and historical associations. In the USA, Shelby ranked #659 for girls in 2023​.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

8 (Practical, Ambitious, Materialistic)

Name Styles

Modern, Traditional, Vintage

Associated Traits

Strong, resilient, independent, versatile

Name Day

October 23rd
A Deep Dive

Shelby Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Shelbie, Shelbi, Shelbey, Shelbea, Shellby, Shelbeigh, Shelbe, Shelbia, Shelbay, Shelbina

Common Nicknames

Shel, Shelb, Shels, Bee, Shelly, Shelbster, Shelbz, Shell, Bibi, Elle

Diminutives

Shel, Shelb, Shels, Bee, Shelly, Shelbz, Shelbey, Shellie, Bibi, Elle

Famous People

  • Shelby Foote
    (American Historian)
  • Shelby Lynne
    (American Country Singer)
  • Shelby Steele
    (American Author)
  • Shelby Young
    (American Actress)
  • Shelby Rabara
    (American Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie
    ("Steel Magnolias," Film)
  • Shelby Wyatt
    ("Quantico," TV Series)
  • Shelby Corcoran
    ("Glee," TV Series)

Places

  • Shelby City
    (North Carolina, USA)
  • Shelby City
    (Montana, USA)
  • Shelby City
    (Ohio, USA)
  • Shelby Community
    (Alabama, USA)
  • Shelby City
    (Iowa, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Shelby?

Shelby means “from the estate on the ledge” or “willow,” indicating a connection to nature and a scenic landscape.

What Is the Origin of The Name Shelby?

The name Shelby has its origins in Old Norse, derived from the words “shel” (willow) and “by” (estate).

Shelby Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Shelby in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#5482021#5942022#6592023
Top 3 Rankings#331991#341992#351996

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Shelby

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023659
(-65 from 2022)
444
(-59 from 2022)
0.02538
2022594
(-46 from 2021)
503
(-53 from 2021)
0.02805
2021548
(-47 from 2020)
556
(-50 from 2020)
0.03103
2020501
(-7 from 2019)
606
(-28 from 2019)
0.03428
2019494
(-69 from 2018)
634
(-103 from 2018)
0.03455
2018425
(-52 from 2017)
737
(-98 from 2017)
0.03963
2017373
(-36 from 2016)
835
(-149 from 2016)
0.04420
2016337
(-38 from 2015)
984
(-95 from 2015)
0.05083
2015299
(-5 from 2014)
1079
(-35 from 2014)
0.05531
2014294
(-36 from 2013)
1114
(-125 from 2013)
0.05694
2013258
(-38 from 2012)
1239
(-207 from 2012)
0.06427
2012220
(-3 from 2011)
1446
(-16 from 2011)
0.07456
2011217
(-33 from 2010)
1462
(-218 from 2010)
0.07545
2010184
(-17 from 2009)
1680
(-254 from 2009)
0.08568
2009167
(-9 from 2008)
1934
(-213 from 2008)
0.09550
2008158
(-9 from 2007)
2147
(-204 from 2007)
0.10308
2007149
(-16 from 2006)
2351
(-269 from 2006)
0.11108
2006133
(-16 from 2005)
2620
(-219 from 2005)
0.12533
2005117
(-5 from 2004)
2839
(-149 from 2004)
0.13988
2004112
(-18 from 2003)
2988
(-549 from 2003)
0.14808
200394
(-19 from 2002)
3537
(-424 from 2002)
0.17628
200275
(-7 from 2001)
3961
(-409 from 2001)
0.20056
200168
(+2 from 2000)
4370
(-191 from 2000)
0.22060
200070
(-8 from 1999)
4561
(-457 from 1999)
0.22854
199962
(-13 from 1998)
5018
(-875 from 1998)
0.25776
199849
(-6 from 1997)
5893
(-807 from 1997)
0.30400
199743
(-8 from 1996)
6700
(-1250 from 1996)
0.35092
199635
(+3 from 1995)
7950
(+318 from 1995)
0.41466
199538
(+2 from 1994)
7632
(+87 from 1994)
0.39718
199440
(-4 from 1993)
7545
(-577 from 1993)
0.38705
199336
(-2 from 1992)
8122
(-1274 from 1992)
0.41196
199234
(-1 from 1991)
9396
(-823 from 1991)
0.46870
199133
(+67 from 1990)
10219
(+6702 from 1990)
0.50255
1990100
(+129 from 1989)
3517
(+2314 from 1989)
0.17119
1989229
(+55 from 1988)
1203
(+322 from 1988)
0.06039
1988284
(-11 from 1987)
881
(-17 from 1987)
0.04581
1987273
(+3 from 1986)
898
(-2 from 1986)
0.04791
1986276
(+5 from 1985)
900
(+15 from 1985)
0.04877
1985281
(-39 from 1984)
885
(-157 from 1984)
0.04793
1984242
(+109 from 1983)
1042
(+400 from 1983)
0.05778
1983351
(+127 from 1982)
642
(+207 from 1982)
0.03587
1982478
(-54 from 1981)
435
(-77 from 1981)
0.02398
1981424
(+19 from 1980)
512
(+30 from 1980)
0.02863
1980443
(+26 from 1979)
482
(+54 from 1979)
0.02707
1979469
(-51 from 1978)
428
(-55 from 1978)
0.02484
1978418
(-36 from 1977)
483
(-70 from 1977)
0.02938
1977382
(-17 from 1976)
553
(-22 from 1976)
0.03362
1976365
(-57 from 1975)
575
(-171 from 1975)
0.03658
1975308
(-9 from 1974)
746
(-53 from 1974)
0.04779
1974299
(+29 from 1973)
799
(+122 from 1973)
0.05101
1973328
(-10 from 1972)
677
(-77 from 1972)
0.04356
1972318
(+74 from 1971)
754
(+198 from 1971)
0.04676
1971392
(+107 from 1970)
556
(+156 from 1970)
0.03172
1970499
(+47 from 1969)
400
(+74 from 1969)
0.02184
1969546
(-12 from 1968)
326
(+6 from 1968)
0.01849
1968534
(+15 from 1967)
320
(+27 from 1967)
0.01872
1967549
(-9 from 1966)
293
(-11 from 1966)
0.01707
1966540
(+36 from 1965)
304
(+30 from 1965)
0.01731
1965576
(-20 from 1964)
274
(-43 from 1964)
0.01499
1964556
(-50 from 1963)
317
(-53 from 1963)
0.01620
1963506
(-3 from 1962)
370
(+1 from 1962)
0.01861
1962503
(-9 from 1961)
369
(-18 from 1961)
0.01821
1961494
(+65 from 1960)
387
(+79 from 1960)
0.01863
1960559
(-43 from 1959)
308
(-49 from 1959)
0.01481
1959516
(-27 from 1958)
357
(-25 from 1958)
0.01717
1958489
(+4 from 1957)
382
(+15 from 1957)
0.01849
1957493
(+13 from 1956)
367
(+22 from 1956)
0.01749
1956506
(-16 from 1955)
345
(+1 from 1955)
0.01675
1955490
(+14 from 1954)
344
(+34 from 1954)
0.01716
1954504
(+27 from 1953)
310
(+48 from 1953)
0.01557
1953531
(+43 from 1952)
262
(+34 from 1952)
0.01358
1952574
(-18 from 1951)
228
(-4 from 1951)
0.01199
1951556
(-39 from 1950)
232
(-16 from 1950)
0.01256
1950517
(+15 from 1949)
248
(+7 from 1949)
0.01410
1949532
(-32 from 1948)
241
(-25 from 1948)
0.01373
1948500
(-75 from 1947)
266
(-103 from 1947)
0.01526
1947425
(-42 from 1946)
369
(-28 from 1946)
0.02030
1946383
(+4 from 1945)
397
(+64 from 1945)
0.02461
1945387
(-23 from 1944)
333
(-34 from 1944)
0.02474
1944364
(-50 from 1943)
367
(-124 from 1943)
0.02686
1943314
(-35 from 1942)
491
(-108 from 1942)
0.03421
1942279
(-66 from 1941)
599
(-227 from 1941)
0.04308
1941213
(-26 from 1940)
826
(-180 from 1940)
0.06629
1940187
(-17 from 1939)
1006
(-158 from 1939)
0.08516
1939170
(-28 from 1938)
1164
(-550 from 1938)
0.10264
1938142
(-23 from 1937)
1714
(-282 from 1937)
0.15016
1937119
(+59 from 1936)
1996
(+925 from 1936)
0.18115
1936178
(+662 from 1935)
1071
(+1004 from 1935)
0.09939
1935840
(+1074 from 1934)
67
(+50 from 1934)
0.00617
19341914
(-79 from 1933)
17
(-1 from 1933)
0.00157
19331835
(+42 from 1932)
18
No change from 1932
0.00172
19321877
(+704 from 1931)
18
(+7 from 1931)
0.00163
19312581
(+340 from 1929)
11
(+1 from 1929)
0.00100
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19292921
(-960 from 1928)
10
(-9 from 1928)
0.00086
19281961
(+898 from 1927)
19
(+8 from 1927)
0.00159
19272859
(+503 from 1925)
11
(+2 from 1925)
0.00089
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19253362
(+640 from 1924)
9
(+2 from 1924)
0.00071
19244002
(-31 from 1923)
7
No change from 1923
0.00054
19233971
(-819 from 1922)
7
(-3 from 1922)
0.00056
19223152
(-390 from 1921)
10
(-2 from 1921)
0.00080
19212762
(+335 from 1920)
12
(+2 from 1920)
0.00094
19203097
(+720 from 1919)
10
(+3 from 1919)
0.00080
19193817
(+992 from 1918)
7
(+2 from 1918)
0.00060
19184809
(-1717 from 1917)
5
(-4 from 1917)
0.00042
19173092
(-259 from 1916)
9
(-1 from 1916)
0.00080
19162833
(+1441 from 1915)
10
(+5 from 1915)
0.00092
19154274
(-656 from 1914)
5
No change from 1914
0.00049
19143618
(-431 from 1913)
5
No change from 1913
0.00063
19133187
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00076
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Shelby

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#6272021#7382022#7892023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#6342021#7632022#8022023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#5782021#5882022#6912023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#7722021#5632022#4612023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#3212021#4432022#4362023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#7972021#7502022#5952023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#4092021#6662022#4272023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#3932021#4102022#7252023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#5752021#6722022#8102023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3352021#3412022#2952023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#6252021#6552022#7212023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#4052021#5972022#5622023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#4492021#3782022#8002023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#5942021#4982022#5352023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#5092020#4312022#4002023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#8812021#9762022#12902023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#5582019#3612021#6062022

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#6362021#6252022#7502023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#3542020#8272021#6292022

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#4102020#3672021#3682022

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3242021#4702022#6652023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#4582020#4632021#6832022

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#3322018#5792019#2792020

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#4702019#4662020#5322021

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#6702020#2882022#6702023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#4202021#8562022#5112023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#4262021#7162022#6632023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#3632016#4372017#5732019

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#6552021#7062022#7262023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#4832021#5322022#4412023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#7812020#4962021#4692022

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1962020#3132022#1802023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#2752015#4272016#3532018

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#9882021#6622022#8272023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#9232021#8502022#10302023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#4442018#5992020#6282022

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#2292019#2902020#3172023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#5242018#5192019#4242020

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#2402019#3932020#3092023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1742011#2622015#2512016

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2502012#1732014#2602015

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2462013#2712014#2642016

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2512013#1932016#2412023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1672012#1472013#2802014

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#2132012#2322014#1232016

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1612011#2252015#2452017

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#342011#592013#1102017

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#2302005#1382006#1792010

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#972003#842004#712006

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1672006#2312008#2222011

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2551997#1041998#2902001

Popularity Rankings for Shelby in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#3382020#3202021#6012022

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3322017#3502018#3372021

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#4582010#3762018#4712020

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#4132007#4402013#4182022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#4582019#4942020#5132021

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#8342020#4642021#5592022

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#5932020#10362021#11672022

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#9062022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Shelby a Name for Boys or Girls?

Shelby is a gender-neutral name, though it is often used for girls. Its Old English roots and meaning “willow farm” make it a charming and nature-inspired choice for any gender.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Shelby

Shelby in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Shelby Foote (Historian, 1916–2005): An American historian and novelist renowned for his extensive work on the American Civil War.
  • Shelby Lynne (Country Singer, 1968): A Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of country, blues, and soul music.
  • Shelby Steele (Author, 1946): An American author and scholar recognized for his works on race relations and multiculturalism.
  • Shelby Young (Actress, 1992): An American actress notable for her roles in "Days of Our Lives" and voice work in the "Star Wars" franchise.
  • Shelby Rabara (Actress, 1983): An American actress and dancer famous for voicing Peridot in the "Steven Universe" series.
  • Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie ("Steel Magnolias," 1989 Film): A young woman with diabetes who cherishes her friendships and faces life's challenges with grace.
  • Shelby Wyatt ("Quantico," 2015 TV Series): A former FBI agent and a dedicated trainer at Quantico.
  • Shelby Corcoran ("Glee," 2009 TV Series): The biological mother of Rachel Berry and the coach of the rival show choir, Vocal Adrenaline.
  • Shelby City (North Carolina, USA): A city located in the western part of the state, known for its historic architecture and cultural events.
  • Shelby City (Montana, USA): A small city in northern Montana, serving as a gateway to Glacier National Park.
  • Shelby City (Ohio, USA): A city in Richland County, notable for its local festivals and parks.
  • Shelby Community (Alabama, USA): A small community in Shelby County with a rich history and close-knit community atmosphere.
  • Shelby City (Iowa, USA): A small city in Shelby County, known for its agricultural contributions and rural charm.

Similar Names to Shelby

Sibling Names for Shelby