Colby Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Colby come from? What does the surname Colby mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Colby and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Colby Origin: What does the last name Colby mean?
The surname Colby has English origins dating back to the early 14th century. The name is believed to have originated in England and remained closely associated with the country for several centuries. Over time, the surname spread globally, with records of Colby family members found in the United States and other countries. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Colby surname significantly increased in the United States, indicating its continued prominence in both England and America.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Colby surname in England since the 14th century, with records indicating a global spread over the centuries. Today, the Colby surname remains prominent in countries like the United States and England, with a presence in many other nations as well. The surname's history reflects a long-standing connection to England and its subsequent expansion across various regions and cultures, illustrating its enduring legacy as a notable family name.
Colby Last Name History: Where did the last name Colby come from?
Origin of Colby Surname: Where does the last name Colby originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Colby first appeared in records from England around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Colby spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Colby: What does the Colby surname history look like in the early days?
The Colby surname remained closely associated with England from the 14th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Colby family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Colby surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Colby surname grew significantly in the United States. The Colby surname remains prominent in both England and the United States. It appears in many countries, including those not specifically mentioned in YourRoots data.
Explore Colby last name heritage and Colby surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Colby Surame?
Elbridge Colby
Elbridge Andrew Colby (born Dec 30, 1979) is an American national security policy professional known for his role in shaping the 2018 U.S. National Defense Strategy, focusing on China. He co-founded the Marathon Initiative think tank and served in the first Trump administration. Colby supports a shift in military resources to Asia to counter China's influence, and has been nominated to serve as the under secretary of defense for policy. His strategic insights and advocacy for a strong defense posture have made him a prominent figure in U.S. national security discussions.
Sasha Colby
Sasha Kekauoha (born July 26, 1984) is an American drag performer and beauty pageant competitor known by her stage name Sasha Colby. She made history by becoming the first Native Hawaiian winner of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2023. Sasha is a trailblazer for transgender representation in the drag community and has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. With a background in beauty pageants and a passion for activism, Sasha Colby continues to inspire and empower others through her art and advocacy work.
Danielle Colby
Danielle Colby (December 3, 1975) is an American reality television personality known for her role on the History reality show American Pickers. Originally from Davenport, Iowa, Colby grew up as a Jehovah's Witness and later became a successful burlesque dancer. She also co-owned a retro clothing company called 4 Miles 2 Memphis. Colby's friendship with American Pickers' Mike Wolfe led to her role at the Antique Archaeology shop featured on the show. With a dynamic career in entertainment and fashion, Colby has become a popular figure in the reality TV world.
William Colby
William Egan Colby (January 4, 1920 – May 6, 1996) was an American intelligence officer who served as Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) from September 1973 to January 1976. Colby's career included serving with the Office of Strategic Services during World War II and later joining the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He played key roles during the Vietnam War, overseeing the Phoenix Program and promoting relative openness about U.S. intelligence activities during his tenure as DCI. Colby's Catholic faith and commitment to liberal politics shaped his personal and professional life. He remains a significant figure in American intelligence history.
Alexis Colby
Alexis Carrington Colby (Joan Henrietta Collins) is a famous fictional character from the American TV series Dynasty.
She is known for being the ex-wife of Blake Carrington and causing numerous problems for him and their children due to her schemes.
Portrayed by Joan Collins, Alexis is a passionate, shrewd, and vengeful character who will do anything to protect her children, often at the expense of their own needs.
Her character marries multiple times throughout the series and is romantically linked to various men, adding to the drama and intrigue of the show.
Alexis Colby is considered one of the greatest TV villains of all time, with her character influencing other iconic roles in television history.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.