Last Name Corbo

The last name "Corbo" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the Italian word "corvo," which translates to "raven" in English. It is a surname that likely originated as a nickname for someone with dark hair or perhaps shared some characteristics with a raven, such as being swift or having keen vision. The name "Corbo" is relatively common in Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania and Calabria.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Corbo

The meaning and origin of the last name Corbo

The surname Corbo has Italian origins and is derived from the Latin word "corvus," meaning "crow" or "raven." It is a topographic name that was originally given to individuals who lived near a place with an abundance of crows or ravens. Topographic surnames were common during the Middle Ages and often indicated a person's association with a particular geographic feature. The surname Corbo could also have been an occupational name for someone involved in the breeding, keeping, or hunting of crows or ravens. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname given to someone with dark hair or a dark complexion, as crows are often associated with black feathers. Over time, the surname Corbo spread to various regions in Italy, such as Campania and Sicily, and has since become relatively common among Italian-speaking populations across the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Corbo

The last name Corbo has a primarily Italian origin and is most commonly found in Italy and its neighboring countries. It is particularly prevalent in the southern regions of Italy, including Sicily, Calabria, and Apulia. In these areas, the Corbo family name is often associated with the local culture and heritage.

Outside of Italy, the surname Corbo can be found in other countries with significant Italian diaspora populations, such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, it is more concentrated in states with historically large Italian immigrant communities, such as New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Furthermore, due to global migration and globalization, individuals bearing the last name Corbo can be found in various other parts of the world as well, although the concentration may be lower compared to the aforementioned regions. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Corbo reflects its Italian roots and the dispersion of Italian immigrants throughout different continents over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Corbo

The last name Corbo, though relatively uncommon, may have a few variations and possible spellings. Some potential variations include Carbo, Corbeau, and Corbeil. These variations may have originated from different regions or due to changes in pronunciation or transcription over time. Additionally, the name may be spelled differently based on regional or personal preferences, resulting in different spellings such as Corbó, Corbao, or Corbeaux. It is important to note that these variations and spellings may not be exhaustive, as there could be more options depending on factors like migration patterns, historical influences, or phonetic differences in different languages. Ultimately, the last name Corbo, along with its variations and spellings, represents the diversity and evolution of surnames and provides a glimpse into the history and cultural background of those who bear this name.

Famous people with the last name Corbo

Although not a very common last name, there are some notable individuals with the surname Corbo. One of them is Tony Corbo, a renowned activist and lobbyist who has dedicated his life to advocating for food safety, agriculture issues, and corporate accountability. As a senior lobbyist for the organization Food & Water Watch, Corbo has played a significant role in shaping policies and regulations regarding food production and safety in the United States. Another notable figure is Dominic Corbo, a former professional basketball player who competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 1970s. A skilled forward, Corbo played for various teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics, leaving a legacy in the world of professional basketball. Although not as widely recognized as some other surnames, the Corbo name has still made a lasting impact through the endeavors of individuals like Tony and Dominic.

Genealogical research on the last name Corbo

The last name Corbo is of Italian origin, and it is derived from the Medieval Latin word "corbus" meaning "raven." It is believed to have been a nickname given to someone with dark hair or perhaps a person associated with the bird's characteristics such as intelligence or cunning. The surname Corbo has a rich history and can be found in various regions of Italy, particularly in the southern parts of the country, including Campania, Calabria, and Sicily.

Genealogical research on the Corbo name has uncovered numerous individuals throughout the years who have carried this surname. Tracing the family line requires examining birth, marriage, and death records, as well as other important documents like census records, immigration records, and land deeds. Additionally, collaboration with living relatives, exploring online genealogical databases, and conducting interviews with older family members can also provide valuable insights into the past. Through diligent research, one can uncover the individual family stories and connections of the Corbo surname, helping to build a comprehensive family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Corbo"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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