What is the origin of the last name Coubrough?

The surname Coubrough is believed to have originated from a place name in England. Specifically, it's thought to derive from Cobrygh, which was an early medieval settlement near the town of Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire. This name is derived from Old English and means "cabbage farm" or "cabbage enclosure." Over time, variations in spelling such as Coubrough, Cobrey, Cobrygh, etc., evolved due to differences in pronunciation, literacy levels, and recording methods.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coubrough

The meaning and origin of the last name Coubrough

The surname Coubrough is of English origin, derived from various place names across England. One notable source suggests it could originate from Cobrough in Nottinghamshire or Coberough in Suffolk. These place names are composed of the Old English elements "cobbe" meaning 'round hill' and "rough," meaning 'rough.' Therefore, the surname Coubrough may have originally referred to someone who lived near a rounded hill with rough terrain. Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to spelling inconsistencies during the Middle Ages, including Cobourgh, Coberough, and Coberow.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coubrough

The surname Coubrough is predominantly found in England, primarily within the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, where it originated as a locational name from Couburgh, a now-lost village near Bungay, Suffolk. Over time, family members migrated to other parts of England and subsequently overseas. In modern times, significant populations of Coubrough descendants can be found in the United States, particularly in states like Massachusetts, New York, and California. Smaller numbers also reside in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, demonstrating the dispersal of this lineage through global migration over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coubrough

The surname Coubrough has several variations and spellings, reflecting changes in spelling and pronunciation over time and across regions. Some common variants include Cobourg, Cobbrough, Coubourn, and Cobern. These variations stem from the French word "de Courbois," which was Anglicized to "de Cobourg" or "Cobourg" during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Over time, the name underwent additional changes due to dialectal differences, transcription errors, and regional accents. Additionally, some individuals may have intentionally altered the spelling of their surname as a means of personal expression or to improve its pronunciation. Despite these variations, all forms of Coubrough can be traced back to the same French ancestral name.

Famous people with the last name Coubrough

Notable individuals with the surname Coubrough include:

1. Sir Reginald Coubrough (1897-1964), an English diplomat who served as Ambassador to Norway, Argentina, and Mexico during the mid-20th century. He also played a crucial role in the establishment of the United Nations.

2. Sir William Henry Coubrough (1858-1937), a British civil servant, scholar, and diplomat who served as the first Chief Justice of Palestine from 1920 to 1926. He was also known for his work on Islamic law.

3. Thomas Frederick Coubrough (1862-1945), an English composer and conductor best known for his work in operas, including "The Silver King" and "Rosemary." His opera "The Prodigal Son" was performed at Covent Garden in 1897.

4. Sir William Robert Coubrough (1863-1929), a British general who served as the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland during World War I, and later as the Governor of Gibraltar from 1920 to 1925.

Genealogical research on the last name Coubrough

The Coubrough surname is believed to have originated from the village of Coubron in France. Early records indicate that the name was originally spelled as "de Courbon" and it's thought to have been brought to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066 by a knight named Roger de Courbon, who was granted lands in Oxfordshire. The surname evolved over time into its modern form, Coubrough. Some notable individuals bearing this surname include Sir John Coubrough, a member of Parliament for Newark-on-Trent in the 14th century, and Sir Richard Coubrough, Lord Mayor of London in 1607. The name is relatively rare today, but it can be found predominantly in England and Wales, with some occurrences in North America as a result of emigration during the 17th and 18th centuries.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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