Surname Bixby - Meaning and Origin

Bixby: What does the surname Bixby mean?

The surname Bixby originates from Old English and has elements of both location and personal traits. It is believed to be derived from a town "Bixby" or "Byxbee" indicating a geographical origin. The name itself is composed of two parts: 'Bysc' or 'Biscop' meaning bishop, and 'by' or 'bee', a Saxon term for dwelling or estate. Hence, it could signify ‘Bishop’s dwelling’ or 'estate of the Bishop'.

Another interpretation could mean 'dwelling by a hollow' since 'byc' represents a hybrid of 'Bee' (as in beehive) and 'valley', and 'by', interpreted as 'near' or 'by the side of', thereby suggesting a dwelling by a hollow or valley. As surnames often represented occupation, localities or personal characteristics, Bixby may have referred to someone living near a notable valley or working for a bishop. It is worth noting that surname meanings can often be a conjecture due to changes in language over centuries.

Bixby: Where does the name Bixby come from?

The surname Bixby is of English origin, derived from a place likely in Lincolnshire where the original bearers lived. The two elements - 'Bic' and 'by' come from Old Norse, where 'by' suggests a village or settlement and 'Bic' is likely a given name. Thus, it could refer to "village or settlement of Bic." This surname was carried to the United States by early settlers including Thomas Bixby who migrated to Massachusetts in the 17th century. Presently, although its bearers are spread globally due to migration patterns, it is more common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. Several personalities, such as the American actor Bill Bixby, bear this surname thereby cementing its presence in these regions. However, despite its dispersion, Bixby is not amongst the most common last names and therefore its distribution is relatively limited.

Variations of the surname Bixby

The surname Bixby, originally derived from a place name, has several variations and spellings, likely due to phonetic translations over time and distance. Some of the common versions of this surname include Bixbie, Bixbee, Bixbie, Bixbe, Bixbey, Bixbie, Bixb, Byxbie and Byxbe.

It appears the name might have stemmed from a place in Lincolnshire, UK, spelled "Bixby" or "Bigsby." Another theory suggests it could originate from the combination of an Old Norse personal name "Bikki" and Old English "by", meaning a farm or settlement.

Some research suggests a connection with the surname Bisbee or Bishby. However, these might be individual derivations from similar place names rather than simple spelling variations.

It's essential to note that spelling variations were abundant even within the same documents due to lack of spelling standard in early centuries. Thus, this surname could have been spelled differently each time it was recorded.

Research also shows connections to several prominent families in various countries, but predominantly in the United States and England. While tracing a clear line of origin may be challenging, studying the various spellings of Bixby brings fascinating insight into its history.

Famous people with the name Bixby

• Bill Bixby: He was an American actor, director, and producer who appeared in popular TV shows such as "My Favorite Martian", "The Incredible Hulk", and "The Courtship of Eddie's Father".
• Jerome K. Bixby: Renowned American science-fiction writer and editor, renowned for his script for the Star Trek episode "Mirror, Mirror" and his short story "It's a Good Life," later adapted into an episode of The Twilight Zone.
• Harold Bixby: He was a wealthy St. Louis businessman, aviation enthusiast and famed for being one of Charles Lindbergh's first backers.
• Barbara Bixby: She is a famous jewelry designer known for introducing her signature collection in 1998, featuring designs that are inspired by eclectic themes from around the world.
• Thomas Barbour Lathrop Bixby: He was a well-known American newspaper publisher and president of the Red Wing Republican printing company.
• Jarvis Bixby: He was an American lawyer and politician from New York who also served as a captain in the U.S Civil War.
• Bixby Knolls: Not actually a person, but a neighborhood in Long Beach, California. Its name comes from the Bixby family who had significant influence in the area's development.

Other surnames

Bixbee