Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Trillby

      Origin 
      Literary Character By George Du Maurier

      Meaning 
      Unique, Stylish Hat or Cap

      Variations 
      Trilby, Trilbea, Trilbee

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Trilby is primarily associated with a specific style of hat, characterized by its soft crown, narrow brim, and generally made from felt. This design has become emblematic of a unique and stylish fashion accessory, often associated with the bohemian and artistic movements. Its etymology is anchored in the characterization of a particular literary figure created by author George du Maurier in his 1894 novel Trilby. Within this context, the term trilby not only denotes a hat but also encapsulates notions of individuality and flair.

      The term trilby first entered popular discourse through du Maurier's novel, where it described the protagonist, a young woman named Trilby O'Ferrall, who epitomized creativity and independence. The book's portrayal of the hat as a fashionable item was instrumental in its rise to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The trilby hat quickly grew into a symbol of urban sophistication, frequently donned by artists, musicians, and avant-garde figures of the time. The name and design became entrenched in the culture, reflecting the aesthetic tastes of the era, and contributed to the societal shift towards modernity and self-expression.

      In contemporary fashion, the trilby hat continues to hold a place of significance as a stylish accessory across various settings. It is favored in both casual wear and formal ensembles, often associated with a sense of retro-chic. The trilby has seen resurgences in popularity, particularly within subcultures and trend-setting circles, where it conveys a sense of artistic flair and nonconformity. Today, the term trilby transcends its original literary roots, symbolizing a blend of historical elegance and modern aesthetics, making it a staple in fashion discourse.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Trillby.
      King

      is the most common surname for Trillby.

      Sullivan

      is the most common spouse name for Trillby.

      Alva

      is the most common child name for Trillby.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1873 is when there were the most people born with the first name Trillby.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.