Colby

boyOld Norse

Colby is an boy name of Old Norse, via English origin, meaning “Koli's farm or settlement”.

MeaningKoli's farm or settlement
GenderBoy
OriginOld Norse, via English
PronunciationKOHL-bee
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Canada, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Colby

Colby comes from English place-names created in the Danelaw, where Norse settlers left the ending býr, 'farm, settlement'. The first part is usually taken as the Norse personal name Koli, itself possibly linked to kol, 'coal', which is why the name is sometimes glossed as 'coal town'. Colby cheese is named after Colby, Wisconsin. As a first name it is mostly American.

Is Colby a religious name?

Colby has no religious background; it is a place-name and surname.

How popular is Colby?

Moderately used for boys in the United States since the 1980s.

Gifts with the name Colby

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Spellings and variants of Colby

ColbieKolbyColeby

Names similar to Colby

ColtonCorbinKirbyAshby

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Colby mean?

Colby means 'Koli's farm or settlement'. It is of Old Norse, via English origin.

Does Colby have a religious meaning?

Colby has no religious background; it is a place-name and surname.

How do you pronounce Colby?

Colby is pronounced KOHL-bee.

Is Colby a boy or girl name?

Colby is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.