Names That Mean Farm

  1. Rigby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "ridge farm"
    • Description:

      Rigby is a rather stiff British surname, which might call to mind the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby" or, from the recent past, Cathy Rigby, the first American woman to win a medal in World Gymnastics competition. The problem with Rigby may be its similarity to the word "rigid."
  2. Willoughby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "farm near the willows"
    • Description:

      Willoughby is an energetic last-name-first route to the popular short form Will, livelier than any of the two-syllable options. It could be picked up by parents attracted to the Willow sound for girls.
  3. Ashby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "ash tree farm"
    • Description:

      This Ashley-like surname name actually made the US Top 1000 around the turn of the 20th century. Used very quietly today in equal numbers -- about a dozen each -- for boys and girls. Ashby is a major thoroughfare in Berkeley, California.
  4. Kelby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the farm by the stream"
    • Description:

      This British last-name-first-name could make a more masculine alternative to Shelby.
  5. Wellesley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "the farm amonst the willows"
    • Description:

      Even if you'd like your daughter to attend the venerable women's college, don't saddle her with this pretentious British surname.
  6. Willoughby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "farm near the willows"
    • Description:

      With Willow and Willa becoming more popular for girls, surname-name Willoughby could be a more unusual alternative. Its full form sounds appropriate for both genders, but can be shortened for girls to Willow, Willa, or even Bee.
  7. Selby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "from the willow farm"
    • Description:

      British last name that, though rather gentle, feels like a sharper, sleeker Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.
  8. Kelby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the farm by the stream"
    • Description:

      A modern alternative to Shelby.
  9. Calton
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "calf farm"
    • Description:

      The kind of hybrid name -- it sounds like a blend of the popular Caleb and Colton -- that could catch on despite its lack of pedigree.
  10. Ashby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "ash tree farm"
    • Description:

      Ashley substitute with a slightly more unisex feel; it was picked for her daughter by TV host Nancy O'Dell.
  11. Harrington
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "family farm"
    • Description:

      On the staff of a manor house.
  12. Rigby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "ridge farm"
    • Description:

      Rigby is a rather stiff British surname, which might call to mind the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby" or, from the recent past, Cathy Rigby, the first American woman to win a medal in World Gymnastics competition. The problem with Rigby may be its similarity to the word "rigid."
  13. Welby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "from farm by a spring"
    • Description:

      Although it connotes a sense of well-being, not likely to be a popular choice.
  14. Chadwick
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dairy farm"
    • Description:

      Chadwick Boseman, the late charismatic star of Marvel's blockbuster Black Panther, brought this name to the spotlight for the first time. Though we long considered it an overwrought way to get to the nickname Chad, his celebrity gives it new luster, and we wouldn't be surprised to see it grow in popularity going forward.
  15. Selby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "from the willow farm"
    • Description:

      Selby, a rarely heard British surname, feels sleeker and more distinctive than Shelby. Todd Selby, known primarily by his last name, is a hip photographer of interiors.
  16. Winton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "friend's farm"
    • Description:

      See WYNTON.
  17. Northrop
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "northern farm"
    • Description:

      Again, North is so much crisper.
  18. Wynton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "friend's farm"
    • Description:

      This spelling of Winton has gotten considerable buzz via jazz musician Wynton Marsalis.
  19. Tresillian
    • Origin:

      Cornish
    • Meaning:

      "Sulien's farm"
    • Description:

      An intriguing Cornish place name and surname derived from the Cornish name Sulien.
  20. Barric
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "grain farm"
    • Description:

      Perfect choice if your baby has grandpas named Barry and Eric, but also a bit military.