Origin of Surname
This name would appear to be of English origin. It is said to come from one or more of several placed named Kirby or Kirkby throughout England, which in turn derive from kirk the Northern Middle English word for church. This word is believed to come from the Norse kirkja and byr meaning a farm or settlement.
Family history
Although the name had been present in the island for a century before, The Kerby family in the tree below came to Jersey in the early years of the 18th century. Farthingaudo Kerby and his son, also Farthingaudo, were garrison soldiers. Jean Kerby (1737- ) was a privateer. Jean Kerby (1766- ) was a clock and watchmaker and silversmith and his business was taken over by his son Francis Kerby.
Francis Kerby (1821- ) was a college graduate who spoke fluent French and was a painter and glaizer. The first Francis left Jersey and went to Wiltshire, England and continued his profession.
The younger Francis went to Yorkshire, England for a few years and then emigrated to the United States of America.
According to family histories Kerbys may have come originally from Scottish and English background. Mary Le Cornu may have been of French Hugenot lineage
Variants
- Kirby
- Kirkby
- Kirkebye
- Kerbey
- Kerby
- Kerbely
Family records
Family trees
Church records
- Kerby baptisms in Jersey
- Kerby marriages in Jersey (groom)
- Kerby marriages in Jersey (bride)
- Kerby burials in Jersey
Family histories
Family wills
These wills created by members of the Kerby family are now held by Jersey Archive. By visiting the archive site and using the names, dates and reference numbers shown here, it is possible to view a copy of each will. You will have to subscribe to the Archive's online service to do this. To find out more about this collection, which covers the period from 1663 to 1980, and how to search for your family's wills there, visit our Jersey wills page
- Jean Kerby of St Helier, desires to be buried in St Helier's Cemetery, bequeaths to the poor of St Helier, £50 of French currency each, to the children of Jean Kerby, his son, £1200 sterling in 3% funds in England makes other bequests of the same funds 5 December 1807 - D/Y/A/17
- Esther Kerby, daughter of William of St Helier, bequeaths to the poor of St Helier, £8 of the order of the King 28 April 1823 - D/Y/A/19
Family photograph album
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