The name Shelbi is a modern variation of the English name Shelby, which originated as a surname derived from an English place name. The place name Shelby is believed to have originated from the Old English words "scelfe," meaning "shelf" or "ledge," and "by," meaning "village" or "town." This suggests that the name may have initially referred to a settlement located on a ledge or near a shelf-like geological feature.

The earliest recorded use of the surname Shelby dates back to the 12th century in England. One of the earliest known individuals with the surname was Robert de Shelby, who was mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Northamptonshire in 1195. Over the centuries, the surname evolved into different spellings, including Shelbie, Shelbye, and Shelbi.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Shelbi or its variations. One of the earliest recorded instances was Shelby Cullom (1829-1914), an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Illinois and the 22nd Governor of Illinois. Another prominent individual was Shelby Foote (1916-2005), an American historian and novelist who wrote extensively about the American Civil War.

In the literary world, Shelby Hearon (1916-2016) was an American novelist and short story writer known for her works exploring the complexities of Southern life. In the realm of sports, Shelby Walker (born 1989) is a Canadian professional basketball player who has competed in the WNBA and overseas leagues.

One of the most famous individuals with the name Shelbi was Shelbi Street (1957-2018), an American actress best known for her role as Hilda Raye in the sitcom "The Jeffersons." She also had roles in other popular shows such as "Sanford and Son" and "Good Times."

While the name Shelbi has its roots in English toponymy, it has gained popularity as a given name in recent decades, particularly in the United States. However, its origins can be traced back to the early medieval period in England, where it first emerged as a surname derived from a place name.