Last Name Corbiere

Learn more about the origin of the last name Corbiere

The meaning and origin of the last name Corbiere

The surname Corbière is of French origin, derived from the Occitan word "corbier," which means "raven." It was likely originally a nickname for someone believed to have dark hair or a dark complexion, resembling that of a raven. The name may also have been used as an occupational surname for a falconer or birdcatcher, as the corbie (French for raven) was often used in medieval falconry due to its ability to drive other birds towards the falcon. Over time, the name spread beyond France and can now be found among French-speaking populations worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Corbiere

The surname Corbiere is primarily found in France, where it originates from the region of Brittany. In France, it ranks among the top 20,000 most common surnames. Outside of France, significant populations with this last name can be found in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick, due to French colonial settlements. Smaller communities bearing the Corbiere surname are also present in countries such as the United States, Australia, and South Africa, primarily as a result of immigration from France or Canada over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Corbiere

The surname Corbiere exhibits various spelling variations over time and across different regions. Some common variants include Corbier, Corbie, Corbeyr, Corbeyre, and Corbeyrier. These variations may stem from regional dialects, transcription errors, or intentional alterations in spelling. Additionally, the name can have French origins, deriving from either a geographical location named Corbières (a region in southern France known for its vineyards) or an occupational name for someone who was a maker of corbels (ornamental brackets used in architecture). The surname Corbiere is predominantly found within French-speaking communities, but it may also be found among the descendants of French immigrants in other parts of the world.

Famous people with the last name Corbiere

Notable individuals with the surname Corbieres include:

1. Paul Verlaine (1844-1905), a French poet, critic, and musician who is considered one of the leading poets of the French Symbolist movement. He was born Paul Marie Joseph Léon Elisabeth Victor Corbière, but later dropped his father's surname in favor of his mother's maiden name, Verlaine.

2. Charles-François Daubigny (1817-1878), a French painter who is known for his landscapes and for being one of the founding members of the Barbizon school. He was also born with the surname Corbieres, but later changed it to Daubigny.

3. Émile Corbière (1865-1922), a French general who served during World War I and was instrumental in the Battle of Verdun. He is often referred to as "Le Général de la Dorsale" due to his significant role in the defense of Verdun's strategic ridge.

4. Gaston Corbier (1867-1925), a French composer known for his operas and orchestral works, including the opera "Le Roi de Lahore." He also composed incidental music for several plays by Maurice Maeterlinck.

Genealogical research on the last name Corbiere

The Corbière surname is of French origin and means "crow" in Old Norse. Its earliest known records date back to Normandy, France in the 13th century. Notable members of this lineage include the Corbières family from the town of Tillières-sur-Avre, who were powerful nobles during the Middle Ages.

The name was brought to the British Isles during the Norman Conquest in 1066. In England, one prominent branch of the Corbière family settled in Suffolk and later moved to Scotland, where they became Lords of Ardrossan. Another branch established themselves in Jersey, where the family still resides today.

In North America, French-speaking Acadians brought the name with them when they were deported from Nova Scotia in 1755 as part of the Great Expulsion. Many Corbières settled in Louisiana, where their descendants still live to this day. The name has also been found in Canada and the United States due to further migrations from France and the UK.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "corbiere"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 25 July 2025