Surname Sellsby - Meaning and Origin

Sellsby: What does the surname Sellsby mean?

The actual origin of the surname Sellsby is uncertain. It appears to be a locational surname, derived from a place called Sellsby in the former county of Yorkshire in England. The place was first recorded in 1281 as Selleby, which means, ‘the farm or village of a man called Sella’. It is also possible that the surname is from some other place in England that has not been identified.

The surname Sellsby was common in Yorkshire, particularly in the area stretching from Yorkshire to Lancashire, and was found scattered in small numbers elsewhere in England. It was also found as Sellaby, Sellby, Sellabye and Sellbean.

The surname could have come about as a result of migration to other parts of the country. During the late Middle ages and early modern period, many English people decided to emigrate and explore further afield in search of better opportunities. People hearing the surname often assumed that it was derived from a location in the new world and hence assumed it was from across the sea.

Anyhow, the Sellsby surname is strongly associated with northern England. Today, those bearing the surname Sellsby are scattered across England and North America.

Sellsby: Where does the name Sellsby come from?

The last name Sellsby is most commonly found in North America, especially in the United States. It is a fairly uncommon name, and the highest concentrations are found in the midwestern states of Ohio and Nebraska. The name is derived from the Old English word "selles" meaning "willow," so it is reasonable to presume that the name was likely first found in areas near willow trees.

In America, the Sellsby surname commonly appears in historical records from the 1700s, primarily in Pennsylvania, where many European immigrants settled in the Quaker State. During the early 19th century, the family migrated to Ohio and other neighboring states in the midwest. There was also a small population of Sellsbys found in Virginia during this time.

Historical records indicate that the Sellsby name is more widely distributed today than it was during its colonial era. In addition to pockets in the midwest, the name has been found to extend across the U.S. from coast to coast. In the last few years, the Sellsby name has also popped up in Canada and Australia.

In sum, the last name Sellsby is most commonly found in North America today, especially in Ohio, Nebraska and Pennsylvania. As immigration continues, it is likely to appear in other countries around the world.

Variations of the surname Sellsby

The surname Sellsby (or Sellsbie) is believed to be of English origin, first appearing as a last name in documents from the 13th century. It is thought to have derived as a patronymic from the medieval given name Selland/Sellen; combined with the suffix ‘by’, indicating a farm or settlement.

Variant spellings of Sellsby include Sellesby, Selesby, Selsby, Sellby, Sallasby and Sellsy.

Surnames of similar origins include Sallaby, Salloway, Salladay, Sallabank, Salleboeuf, Selleck, Sellick, and Sellers.

The English spelling Sellsby has become popular throughout Europe, and can now be found in countries from Sweden to France, Holland to Ireland. In the United States, variants of the surname such as Sallsby and Sellesby are more common.

It can also be found in other countries around the world, particularly in the British Commonwealth nations, as well as in parts of Africa, South America and the Caribbean.

The surname Sellsby has also been adapted to a variety of non-English languages, with various spellings such as Soelsby in Denmark, Seelesby in Finland, Szellesby in Hungary, and Sellenby in Germany.

In spite of its ancient roots, the surname Sellsby is still a relatively uncommon one. With its variations, though, it is possible to trace its presence in many different countries, and its wielders in many different centuries.

Famous people with the name Sellsby

• Kaj Sellsby: retired Swedish professional football defender.
• Frida Sellsby: Swedish fashion designer and entrepreneur.
• Stina Sellsby: former Swedish tennis player.
• Lennart Sellsby: Swedish entrepreneur and former politician.
• Kalle Sellsby: Swedish composer, conductor and teacher.
• Marit Sellsby: Swedish author and feminist activist.
• Henrietta Sellsby: English artist, who worked in the genres of miniatures and paintings.
• Rasmus Sellsby: Swedish composer, arranger and teacher.
• Olof Sellsby: Swedish writer.
• Johan Sellsby: former Swedish football player.

Other surnames

Sellstone