Surname Corbett - Meaning and Origin

An Illuminating Journey: A Personal Experience of DNA Testing at iGENEA and Discovering the Corbett Lineage

After submitting a DNA sample to iGENEA, I gained a depth of knowledge about my Corbett surname and personal genetics. The detailed, accurate results traced my Corbett lineage to Celtic origins, enlightening me on my unique genetic makeup and ancestors' history. The experience reinforced the understanding that DNA testing is more than a hobby; it’s a tool for personal discovery.

B. Corbett

Corbett: What does the surname Corbett mean?

Corbett is a surname of English and French origin. The name is derived from the Norman-French personal name "Corbin", which is itself a diminutive form of "corb", meaning "raven". The raven was a popular symbol in the medieval period due to its association with intelligence and wisdom, and it was common for people in the Middle Ages to use animal names as a nickname or personal identifier.

In French, the term "corbet" is equivalent to "little raven". This name would have been given to a person with dark hair or someone who had characteristics associated with a raven, such as a sharp mind or being cunning.

The name Corbett became a popular surname in England after the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, and it remains widespread today in English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Variations of the surname include Corbet, Corbin, and Corban.

Corbett: Where does the name Corbett come from?

The surname Corbett is of Norman-French origin, introduced into England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It derives from the Old French "corbet," which means "little raven", used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or as a personal name. The first record of the name dates back to Roger Corbet or Corbeil in Shropshire during the reign of William the Conqueror. In the Middle Ages, it was popular to give nicknames based on personal characteristics or attributes; thus, Corbett could have referred to someone who resembled a raven.

Today, the surname Corbett is most common in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Scotland and Ireland have a considerable number of Corbetts due to shared geographical proximity and historical connections with England. Worth to note - there are variants of the surname including Corbitt, Corbet, and Corbetts, influenced by regional accents and spelling variations over time. Despite its spread, it remains less common globally in comparison to many other surnames.

Variations of the surname Corbett

The surname Corbett originates from Norman French, introduced to Britain after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name is believed to derive from the word "corb", meaning "raven", and the diminutive suffix "et", thus suggesting someone who has the characteristics of a small raven, perhaps relating to hair or complexion.

Variants and alternative spellings of the last name Corbett are quite diverse due to regional accents and phonetic spelling. Some of these variants include Corbet, Corbitt, Corbett, Corbette, and Corbetts. There are also similar sounding names, like Corbit, Corbette, or Corbitt. Sometimes, it's also stylized with a double ‘tt’ at the end.

The surname can also be found across borders in slightly transformed identities: such as "Corbeau" in French, "Korbel" in Czech or "Corvo" in Italian - all referencing the raven.

As with many surnames, references to particular individuals—like Robert Corbet, who came over to England with William the Conqueror—can be found within variations of the name's spelling, potentially leading to even more possible derivatives. Over time, many branches of the family chose to emblazon their own unique versions of the name.

Famous people with the name Corbett

• Ronnie Corbett: A Scottish stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. Known best for "The Two Ronnies," a BBC television comedy show.
• John Corbett: An American actor and musician. He's recognized for his roles in "Sex and The City," "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," and the TV series "Northern Exposure."
• Harry Corbett: A British puppeteer famously known as the creator of the "Sooty" show.
• Matthew Corbett: British television personality, known for his work on the "Sooty" show, inherited from his father, Harry Corbett.
• James J. Corbett: American professional boxer and former World Heavyweight Champion, more popularly known as Gentleman Jim Corbett.
• Kevin Corbett: American businessman and current executive director of NJ Transit.
• Glenn Corbett: American actor, popular for his roles in "Route 66," "Chisum," and "Star Trek."
• Steffany Gretzinger (née Corbett): An American Christian music singer-songwriter, best known for her involvement with the Bethel Music collective.
• Tom Corbett: An American politician, who served as the 46th governor of Pennsylvania.
• Sarah Corbett: A British author and poet.
• Barry Corbett: Former New Zealand Olympic rower.
• Tyne Corbett: Renowned International cricketer from Argentina.
• Jim Corbett: British-Indian author and hunter.

Other surnames

Corbeil