Names That Mean Farm
Share
Copy link
- Rigby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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."
- Willoughby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Ashby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Rigby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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."
- Wellesley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Busby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"shrub farm"Description:
A busby is the English name for the fur military headdress originally worn by the Hungarian hussars. As a first name, Busby is also the unique name of iconic movie choreographer Busby Berkeley.
- Chadwick
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Kelby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller at the farm by the stream"Description:
This British last-name-first-name could make a more masculine alternative to Shelby.
- Willoughby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Selby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Emersby
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"Emery's farm"Description:
An uncommon English surname which could make for a handsome spin on Emery.
- Winton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"friend's farm"Description:
See WYNTON.
- Selby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Calton
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"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.
- Dumas
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the little farm"Description:
The name of the great French novelist, author of the timeless The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers, would make a surprising middle name choice.
- Harrington
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"family farm"Description:
On the staff of a manor house.
- Wynton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"friend's farm"Description:
This spelling of Winton has gotten considerable buzz via jazz musician Wynton Marsalis.
- Ashby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"ash tree farm"Description:
Ashley substitute with a slightly more unisex feel; it was picked for her daughter by TV host Nancy O'Dell.
- Kelby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller at the farm by the stream"Description:
A modern alternative to Shelby.
- Tresillian
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"Sulien's farm"Description:
An intriguing Cornish place name and surname derived from the Cornish name Sulien.