Rigby is an English surname that has gained occasional use as a first name, primarily for boys. Its origins lie in the Old Norse words hryggr meaning "ridge" and býr meaning "farm" or "settlement," thus referring to a "ridge farm." The surname likely originated as a locational name for individuals from one of several places named Rigby in England, including a hamlet in Lancashire. Etymology The name Rigby is a classic example of a toponymic surname derived from a place associated with a characteristic geographical feature. The first element, rigg, is a Northern English dialect term meaning "ridge," borrowed from Old Norse hryggr. The second element, by, was used by Scandinavian settlers in the Danelaw to denote a farmstead or village. Thus the combined meaning is a farm situated on or near a ridge. Historical and Cultural Context As a surname, Rigby appears in English records from the medieval period onward. One notable early bearer was Sir Thomas Rigby (16th century), a prominent merchant and Lord Mayor of London in 1584. The name also features in legal and ecclesiastical documents across Lancashire and Yorkshire, reflecting the strong Scandinavian influence on Northern English place-names. As a given name, Rigby emerged recently, likely influenced by the character Rigby from the animated television series Regular Show (2010–2017), who is a blue jay known for his slacker demeanor but good-hearted nature. This pop-culture presence has attracted some parents seeking unique and playful names for their children. Statistics and Distribution According to the 2010 United States Census, Rigby ranked 5388th in frequency as a surname, with 6,458 bearers. It is predominantly common among White (87.47%) individuals. The name is also the name of several US towns, including Rigby, Idaho, the self-proclaimed "Birthplace of Television" due to the invention of the first two-way radio by local farmer Philo Farnsworth. Notable Bearers Aside from the fictional character, notable individuals with the surname Rigby include: Emma Rigby (born 1989), English actress best known for her roles in Hollyoaks and Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. Cathy Rigby (born 1952), American Olympic gymnast and actress. Arthur Rigby (1924–2020), English footballer who played for Scotland and coached several clubs. Related Names and Variants Rigby has no widely recognized diminutives or popular variants itself, but it is distantly related through the Scandinavian naming pattern to other -by surnames such as Sumera, though Rigby does not share direct etymological linkage with any other first name. Meaning: "ridge farm" Origin: Old Norse Type: Surname used as first name Usage: English-speaking countries