This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Desby family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Desby Family History

Desby Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Denby, Nesby, Demby, Desy, Derby, Wesby, Darby, Dery, Westby, Dalby

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Desby family from?

You can see how Desby families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Desby family name was found in the USA, and Scotland between 1841 and 1920. The most Desby families were found in USA in 1880. In 1841 there were 5 Desby families living in Ayrshire. This was 100% of all the recorded Desby's in Scotland. Ayrshire had the highest population of Desby families in 1841.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Desby surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Desby ancestors do for a living?

In 1940, Stenographer was the top reported job for people in the USA named Desby. 100% of Desby women worked as a Stenographer.

View Census Data for Desby | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

United States shown, England data unavailable

Top Female Occupations In 1940

  • Stenographer
    100%

What Desby family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 184 census records available for the last name Desby. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Desby census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Desby

Passenger Lists

There are 31 immigration records available for the last name Desby. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Desby immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 10 military records available for the last name Desby. For the veterans among your Desby ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Desby military records

You've only scratched the surface of Desby family history

Discover More

What is the average Desby lifespan?

Between 1958 and 2000, in the United States, Desby life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1978, and highest in 2000. The average life expectancy for Desby in 1958 was 61, and 106 in 2000.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Desby

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Desby ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Desby family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial