The surname Shelby has historical roots in England, particularly linked to the place name Selby, but it is not merely an Americanized form of Selby. It originated from the same Old Norse and Old English roots as Selby, referring to a place name associated with willows. The name has been popularized in the United States and has various spellings such as Shelby, Shelbey, and Shelbie. It is significant because it reflects the cultural exchange and adaptation of surnames in the New World. The name has been associated with several notable families and individuals in American history.
