Last Name Corbillon

The surname Corbillon is believed to be of French origin. It is derived from a place-name or topographic name meaning "little hollow" or "cave", which would have been used to identify an individual who lived near such a feature. In Old French, the word for cave was "corbeau," which could have influenced the development of the surname Corbillon over time. However, it's important to note that the exact origins can vary depending on specific regional and historical contexts. For a more definitive answer, genealogical research or consultation with a heraldry expert may be necessary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Corbillon

The meaning and origin of the last name Corbillon

The surname Corbillon is of French origin, derived from the Old French term "corbi(e)lon", which translates to "raven's peak" or "ravens' hill". It is believed that this name was given to someone who lived on a prominent hill or peak resembling the shape of a raven's beak. The name Corbillon first appeared in records during the Middle Ages, with early bearers residing primarily in regions such as Normandy and Picardy. Over time, variations in spelling and translation have led to multiple spellings of the surname, including Corbellon, Corbelin, and Corbeilon. Today, the name remains relatively uncommon outside of France, but it continues to be a unique and evocative family name with roots steeped in Gallic history and folklore.

Geographical distribution of the last name Corbillon

The surname Corbillon has its origins primarily in France, with the highest concentration found in the regions of Auvergne and Limousin. Historically, the name was common among the peasantry and artisans of these areas, although it can also be found among the nobility. Over time, members of the Corbillon family migrated from France to other European countries such as Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland, where the surname remains relatively rare. In more recent history, there has been a significant increase in the Corbillon population in North America, particularly in Canada and the United States, due to immigration waves from France during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Today, the Corbillon name can be found across various parts of these continents, with pockets of concentration reflecting historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Corbillon

The surname Corbillon has several variations and spellings. Some of these include Corbelon, Corbelin, Corbelin, Corbeillon, Corbellon, Corbellin, and Corbylon. These differences can be attributed to regional dialects, transcription errors during migration, or personal preference when filling out official documents. The name is of French origin and is derived from the occupational name for a maker of corbels (brackets or bracket supports), often used in architecture. The name may also be associated with the place names Corbelin, located in the Isère department of France, or Coblens, an old name for the city of Cologne, Germany. These regional variations further contribute to the diversity in spellings and pronunciations of the surname Corbillon.

Famous people with the last name Corbillon

The Corbillon family has produced several notable figures throughout history. Notably, Louise Elisabeth Le Tellier de Corbillon, Marquise de Maintenon (1639-1719), was the second wife and confidante of King Louis XIV of France. She played a significant role in the French court as a moral guide to the king's children and influenced educational reform. Another renowned member is Pierre Corbillon, also known as Père Duchesne (1701-1773), a prominent French satirist who critiqued society through his popular character "Père Duchesne." Additionally, Marie-Françoise Corbillon-Sauvage (1692-1745) was a French novelist known for her works of chivalric romance and historical fiction. In the modern era, Jean-Pierre Corbillon (born 1947), a French lawyer, has gained recognition for his expertise in international law, particularly in the field of human rights.

Genealogical research on the last name Corbillon

The surname Corbillon is of French origin and is believed to have derived from a place name or an occupational title. It is thought to be related to the Old French term 'corbeau', meaning raven, with the suffix '-on' indicating a habitational name for someone who lived near a place named with this word. Alternatively, it could have been an occupational name for a maker of wooden corbels or brackets used in construction. One notable Corbillon family originated from the region of Auvergne and later settled in Paris, France during the 16th century. A member of this family, François Corbillon, served as a captain in Louis XIV's army before emigrating to Quebec, Canada in 1668. This lineage played significant roles in Canadian politics and military service throughout subsequent generations. Today, the Corbillon name can be found across North America and Europe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Corbillon"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends