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Sign up freeDarby Family Genealogy & History
Discover the Global Legacy of the Darby Surname
The Darby surname is an English locational name with roots in Old Norse, where "djúr" means "deer" and "bær" translates to "farm" or "settlement." Originating in Lincolnshire during the period from the 12th century, Darby has since evolved from a place name to a surname and even a given name. It was once an alternative spelling of Derby, a city in England, which adds another layer to its historical significance in family history and genealogy.
Over time, the Darby surname spread geographically throughout England, with a strong presence in the Midlands and Northern regions. The surname became particularly associated with notable figures, including the Darby family of ironmasters who played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution. By the 18th century, the Darby name began to appear internationally as families migrated, establishing roots in the United States, Canada, and Australia, thereby extending the Darby family tree across continents.
YourRoots data substantiates the Darby surname's origins in England from the early 15th century, providing a crucial connection for descendants tracing their lineage. The dataset highlights how the family expanded from its English roots to a global presence by the 19th century. This transition underscores the adaptability of the Darby family as they pursued opportunities abroad, enriching the tapestry of Darby genealogy with diverse cultural influences.
For those interested in tracing the Darby family tree, YourRoots offers extensive Darby records that document this surname's expansive journey. With Darby genealogy records available in major repositories worldwide, researchers can uncover ancestral stories and connections, gaining a deeper appreciation for their family's historical context and global impact.
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Records
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JDJosiah Darby1734–1820Public Tree Person3 treesScore: AJDJosiah Darby1734–1820Public Tree Person3 treesScore: A
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CDChristopher Taylor Darby1571–1640Public Tree Person3 treesScore: BCDChristopher Taylor Darby1571–1640Public Tree Person3 treesScore: B
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ADAda Lilla Darby1870–1903Individual Tree PersonParents: John DARBY & Eliza SmithScore: AADAda Lilla Darby1870–1903Individual Tree PersonParents: John DARBY & Eliza SmithScore: A
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ADAlba (Betsey) Darby1771–1849Individual Tree PersonParents: Sylvester Darby & Hannah ConklinSpouse: Samuel SchellingerChildren: Alben, Mercy, Elisheba, Hannah, MarianScore: AADAlba (Betsey) Darby1771–1849Individual Tree PersonParents: Sylvester Darby & Hannah ConklinSpouse: Samuel SchellingerChildren: Alben, Mercy, Elisheba, Hannah, MarianScore: A
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ADAlberta Marie Darby1936–1972Individual Tree PersonParents: Franklin Darby & Martha BrowningSpouse: Romer EstepScore: AADAlberta Marie Darby1936–1972Individual Tree PersonParents: Franklin Darby & Martha BrowningSpouse: Romer EstepScore: A
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ADAlbert Alicer Darby1904–1976Individual Tree PersonParents: Albert Darby & Finny OlsenSpouse: Vera CudeChildren: ElaineScore: AADAlbert Alicer Darby1904–1976Individual Tree PersonParents: Albert Darby & Finny OlsenSpouse: Vera CudeChildren: ElaineScore: A
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ADAaron Darby1817–1894Individual Tree PersonParents: Jedediah Darby & Rebecca SayreSpouse: Susannah ReserChildren: Andrew, Marion, Loretta, James, Elizabeth, Elijah, SolomonScore: AADAaron Darby1817–1894Individual Tree PersonParents: Jedediah Darby & Rebecca SayreSpouse: Susannah ReserChildren: Andrew, Marion, Loretta, James, Elizabeth, Elijah, SolomonScore: A
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ADAlbert Francis Stephen Darby1882–1948Individual Tree PersonParents: Arthur Darby & Jane NoneSpouse: Jane WearingChildren: Frances, AlbertScore: AADAlbert Francis Stephen Darby1882–1948Individual Tree PersonParents: Arthur Darby & Jane NoneSpouse: Jane WearingChildren: Frances, AlbertScore: A
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ADAgnes Darby1870–1946Individual Tree PersonParents: George Darby & Marry TibbettSpouse: Frederick PritchardChildren: Edward, George, HildaScore: AADAgnes Darby1870–1946Individual Tree PersonParents: George Darby & Marry TibbettSpouse: Frederick PritchardChildren: Edward, George, HildaScore: A
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ADAinsley Darby1818–1848Individual Tree PersonParents: John Darby & Mary SmithScore: BADAinsley Darby1818–1848Individual Tree PersonParents: John Darby & Mary SmithScore: B
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ADAlbert Donald Darby1929–2013Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Darby & Alma AshleyScore: BADAlbert Donald Darby1929–2013Individual Tree PersonParents: Joseph Darby & Alma AshleyScore: B
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ADAden Darby1772–1864Individual Tree PersonParents: George Darby & Nancy HutchcraftScore: BADAden Darby1772–1864Individual Tree PersonParents: George Darby & Nancy HutchcraftScore: B
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ADAgnes Whitehouse Darby1553–1603Individual Tree PersonParents: * Whitehouse & Elinor DavisScore: BADAgnes Whitehouse Darby1553–1603Individual Tree PersonParents: * Whitehouse & Elinor DavisScore: B
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ADAbigail Darby1739–1774Individual Tree PersonParents: William Darby & Mary DurfeeSpouse: John WolvertonChildren: Thomas, Rachel, John, Mary, Abigail, Margaret, CharlesScore: BADAbigail Darby1739–1774Individual Tree PersonParents: William Darby & Mary DurfeeSpouse: John WolvertonChildren: Thomas, Rachel, John, Mary, Abigail, Margaret, CharlesScore: B
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ADAbigail Darby1725–1774Individual Tree PersonParents: Deacon Jr. & Mary DurfeeScore: BADAbigail Darby1725–1774Individual Tree PersonParents: Deacon Jr. & Mary DurfeeScore: B
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ADAbiah Byer Jane Darby1790–1874Individual Tree PersonParents: James Darby & Mary NoneScore: BADAbiah Byer Jane Darby1790–1874Individual Tree PersonParents: James Darby & Mary NoneScore: B
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ADAlbert Darby1854–1927Individual Tree PersonParents: Samuel Darby & Hannah ComerScore: BADAlbert Darby1854–1927Individual Tree PersonParents: Samuel Darby & Hannah ComerScore: B
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ADAlfred Darby1898–1949Individual Tree PersonParents: William Darby & Annie PartletonScore: BADAlfred Darby1898–1949Individual Tree PersonParents: William Darby & Annie PartletonScore: B
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ADAbigail Darby1717–1722Individual Tree PersonParents: William Darbyshire & Elizabeth SpauldingScore: BADAbigail Darby1717–1722Individual Tree PersonParents: William Darbyshire & Elizabeth SpauldingScore: B
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ADAbigail Darby1763–1774Individual Tree PersonParents: Deacon Jr. & Mary DurfeeScore: BADAbigail Darby1763–1774Individual Tree PersonParents: Deacon Jr. & Mary DurfeeScore: B
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ADAlbert Henry Darby1893–1968Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Darby & Theresa SheppeardSpouse: Mary HingeScore: CADAlbert Henry Darby1893–1968Individual Tree PersonParents: Thomas Darby & Theresa SheppeardSpouse: Mary HingeScore: C
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Tracing Your Darby Family Lineage
Origin of the Darby Family: Where does the Darby surname come from?
The earliest known appearance of the Darby surname can be traced back to England during the early 15th century, marking the beginning of its genealogical journey. This foundational record serves as a vital connection point for descendants, revealing the roots of family trees that would branch out over the centuries. Understanding this origin allows families to appreciate their lineage and the historical context in which the Darby name emerged.
Genealogy and Early Family History of Darby
In its early centuries, the Darby family began to spread primarily throughout England, where various branches of the family tree took shape. The YourRoots database highlights significant concentrations of Darby families in key regions, notably in the Midlands and the North of England, as they established themselves in local communities. As families grew, they developed distinct lines, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the Darby genealogy.
Throughout the subsequent centuries, the Darby name continued to evolve, with families expanding their presence and establishing roots in various locales. This expansion was marked by migrations and the establishment of new family branches, as individuals sought opportunities in neighboring regions. The gradual growth of family trees during this period set the stage for the Darby surname to become more widely recognized.
Tracing the Darby Family Tree Through the Centuries
As the centuries progressed, the Darby surname experienced notable expansion beyond England, particularly during the 18th century when many families migrated to the United States. This movement resulted in a significant increase in the presence of the Darby name in North America, where families flourished and further diversified their genealogical lines. The 19th century saw continued growth, with branches of the Darby family establishing themselves in various regions, including Canada and Australia.
By the 20th century, the Darby name had become a global surname, with descendants spreading across multiple continents, including Europe, North America, and beyond. This wide distribution illustrates the adaptability and resilience of the Darby lineage as families continued to grow and evolve. Tracing these connections through the centuries provides a deeper understanding of the Darby family history and its global impact.
Where to Find Darby Genealogy Records Today
In modern times, the Darby surname is documented extensively, particularly in the United States, where it has established a strong presence over the past century. The YourRoots database offers a wealth of genealogy records that allow individuals to explore the rich history of their own Darby family connections. By delving into these records, readers can uncover their ancestral ties and further enrich their family trees.
Famous People with Darby (and Their Family Tree)
Kim Darby
Kim Darby, originally born Deborah Zerby on July 8, 1947, in Los Angeles, is an acclaimed American actress known for her iconic role as Mattie Ross in the 1969 Western classic True Grit alongside John Wayne. Her career highlights span both film and television, including memorable performances in Better Off Dead (1985) and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995). Darby has appeared in popular TV series such as Gunsmoke, Star Trek, and The X-Files. Despite a career decline in the 1970s, she made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and later taught acting at UCLA.
Kim Darby was born to professional dancers Inga (Wiere) and Jon Zerby, known as the "Dancing Zerbys." Her mother hailed from Budapest, adding a rich cultural heritage to Darby's background. Her father affectionately nicknamed her "Derby," which later evolved into her professional stage name, Kim Darby.
Rhys Darby
Rhys Montague Darby, born on 21 March 1974 in Auckland, New Zealand, is a renowned actor and comedian celebrated for his energetic physical comedy and storytelling. He gained international fame as the band manager Murray Hewitt in the acclaimed TV series "Flight of the Conchords," originating from his role in the BBC radio series. Darby's film appearances include "Yes Man," "What We Do in the Shadows," and "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle." His accolades include winning the 2012 Fred Award for best NZ show. His distinctive style, combining mime and sound effects, has made him a notable figure in the comedy world.
Drew Darby
William Drew Darby, commonly known as Drew Darby, is a prominent Republican politician serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for District 72. Born in San Angelo, Texas, Darby has represented the West Texas counties since 2006. He has held significant leadership roles, including chairman of the House Energy Resources Committee and the House Redistricting Committee. Darby’s notable achievements include being honored as a "Friend of County Government" by the Texas Association of Counties in 2009 and 2011. His extensive involvement in committees reflects his influence in shaping Texas legislative priorities, particularly in energy resources and redistricting.
Darby Surname Meaning, Origin, and History
The surname "Darby" is of English locational origin, deriving from Old Norse elements meaning "deer farm" or "settlement." It was first recorded in the late 12th century in Lincolnshire and was a common alternative spelling for the city of Derby before the 1800s.
VIEW MOREWhere to Find Genealogy Records for Darby
We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Darby family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Darby surname to learn more.
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