Kolby
20% girls · 80% boys
About Kolby
Kolby as a feminine name represents a gender-crossover trend in naming practices. Traditionally used for boys as a variant of Colby (derived from Old Norse elements meaning 'dark farm' or from English place names referring to 'coal town' or 'Koli's settlement'), its adoption for girls reflects the modern tendency to repurpose surnames and masculine names for feminine use. The spelling with 'K' instead of 'C' adds a contemporary twist to the traditional form. While still predominantly used for boys, Kolby has gained some traction as a girl's name among parents seeking gender-neutral options with a modern edge. The name carries a sturdy, practical sound with a friendly 'by' ending that softens its overall impression.
Kolby for boys#1225 US
Just one more name to fall victim to the K trend. This version of the name has appeared in the US Top 1000 since the mid-1980s, having peaked at Number 359 in 2001. It is now steadily declining year after year.
Several athletes bear this name: Kolby Smith, a former NFL player for the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Jacksonville Jaguars; Kolby Listenbee, a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills; and Kolby Allard, a pitcher in the Atlanta Braves organization.
Pronounced KOHL-bee.
As of November 2026, Kolby ranked #3618 for girls and #1225 for boys in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #2689 for girls in 1999 and #359 for boys in 2001.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · girls | Births · girls | US rank · boys | Births · boys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #3,255 | 50 | #777 | 300 |
| 2015 | #4,192 | 35 | #828 | 272 |
| 2016 | #3,962 | 38 | #950 | 219 |
| 2017 | #4,182 | 35 | #1,146 | 166 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | #1,088 | 182 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | #1,237 | 153 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | #1,145 | 170 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | #1,263 | 151 |
| 2022 | #4,973 | 27 | #1,238 | 159 |
| 2023 | #3,454 | 46 | #1,198 | 167 |
| 2024 | #3,916 | 38 | #1,268 | 155 |
| 2025 | #3,618 | 42 | #1,225 | 165 |
World rankings
Kolby for boys
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