Save Type Surname (from location) Usage English Pronounced Pron. /ˈsaʊ.ər.bi/, /ˈsɔːr.bi/ [key·simplify] Other Forms FormsSorby Meaning & History Habitational name from any of several places in northern England, derived from Old Norse saurr "mire, mud, dirt, sour ground" and býr "farm, settlement".