Surname korb - Meaning and Origin
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korb: What does the surname korb mean?
The last name Korb is of German and Swiss origin and means “basket.” It is believed to be a topographic or an occupational surname since the word “korb” can also mean a basket-maker or user. It likely derives from the German word “Korbe,” which itself is derived from the Middle High German “corb,” meaning basket or crib.
Korb is a common surname throughout Germany, Switzerland, and other parts of central Europe. It is also found in the United States, where it is likely an Americanized version of the original family name. The 1900 Federal Census found over 1,000 individuals with the last name Korb, with the majority living in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New York.
The origin of the Korb name suggests a tradition of hard work and service, as basket making likely provided the family a means to survive. It also has historical significance as many household baskets from medieval times are also called “Korb.”
Overall, this last name is a reminder of a fruitful family history connected to the trade of basket making, and the hard work that goes along with it. This family’s courage in pursuit of their dreams created a legacy of skill and perseverance, values and traits that are still celebrated by those with the last name Korb.
Order DNA origin analysiskorb: Where does the name korb come from?
The last name Korb is commonly found today in Germany and other areas of Eastern Europe. The name is likely derived from the German word "Korb," which means baskets or baskets maker, indicating that it was originally a surname denoting a profession. Today, the Korb surname is concentrated in a few parts of Eastern Europe, particularly in Germany and Hungary. In Germany, the population density of Korb's is highest in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavaria, though the name is also quite common in areas of Hesse and Baden-Württemberg. In Hungary, the name can be found in scattered parts of the country.
Korb is also not uncommon in the United States, although it is not particularly prevalent. Most of the Korb's in the country can trace their ancestry back to Germanic or Eastern European immigrants who arrived during the 19th and 20th centuries. The majority of the population bearing the Korb name can be found in the Midwest, primarily in the states of Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. The name is also present in more significant numbers in Pennsylvania, New York, and California.
Though the numbers are much smaller, the name can be found in other parts around the world as well, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. As a result, the Korb name has become quite widespread over the last several centuries, despite having originated centuries ago in a small part of Eastern Europe.
Variations of the surname korb
The surname Korb is of German and Jewish origin, and it can come in many variant forms and spellings, including Corb, Kord, Kordt, Korf, Kort, Korth, and Kortht. Other related and similar surnames are Corbe, Corbet, Corbett, Cordes, Core, Corf, Corff, Corid, Corivet, Corke, Corle, Cort, Corte, Cortes, Cortez, Corzun, Cour, Courbit, Court, Courvoisier, Cortin, Korte, Korten, Kortes, Korty, Korton, Kortum, and Kogy.
In German and other language contexts, the surname Korb may be derived from the German word korb meaning “basket” or “coffer” and may have been a nickname for someone associated with these items. The name could also be derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near a basket-maker’s shop. In Jewish contexts, the name often originated as a derivative of the biblical name “Caleb,” which is strong and full of faith. Many Jewish versions of the name also originate from the Hebrew word gorb meaning “proud” or “strong,” and could have been used as a nickname for someone with admirable strength and courage.
No matter how the surname Korb is spelled or pronounced, it is rooted in the German and Jewish cultures and its many variants, spellings, and related surnames remain entwined in this heritage today.
Famous people with the name korb
- Seth Korb: actor and stand up comedian
- Rick Korb: composer and musician
- Ute Korb: German author
- Sheila Korb: American artist and author
- David A. Korb: American author and artist
- Ricarda Korb: German voice actress
- Carin Korb: American Environmental Activist
- Carol Ann Korb: American writer
- Dennis H. Korb: German publisher
- Irene Korb-Brown: film historian and writer
- Christopher J. Korb: American military historian
- Hermann Korb: German sculptor
- Laura Korb: American editor and writer
- Auntie Mame Korb: American YouTube star
- Doug Korb: American disappearance fugitive
- Tyler-James Korb: Australian hurdler
- Stanley Korb: American real estate investor
- Tom Korb: American football coach
- Ida E. Korb: American botanist
- Stephen Korb: English author