Last Name Coudurier

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coudurier

The meaning and origin of the last name Coudurier

The surname Coudurier is of French origin, derived from the occupation of a roofer or thatch-maker. The term "coup d'oeil" means a single glance or a quick look, but in a historical context, it referred to the art of roofing. The profession of a roofer was essential for maintaining and constructing buildings during medieval times, especially in rural areas where houses were made of thatch. Over time, the name Coudurier became a hereditary surname passed down through generations from families who practiced this trade. Today, it is a common French surname found worldwide among descendants of French immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coudurier

The surname Coudurier is primarily found in France, particularly in regions such as Brittany and Normandy. In these areas, it is thought to be a occupational name for a ship's carpenter or builder, derived from the Old French word "coudre," meaning to sew or join together, and "ier," meaning worker. The name has also been found in smaller numbers in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. In the United States, a significant number of individuals with the surname Coudurier can be traced back to French Canadian ancestors who immigrated during the 17th and 18th centuries. The name has also been recorded in smaller numbers in various parts of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Germany, due to historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coudurier

The surname Coudurier has multiple variants and spellings due to historical and regional differences in pronunciation and transcription. Some common variations include:

1. Coudert - This spelling is a phonetic variation that originated from an alteration of the 'd' sound to a 't' sound during the French Revolution, when some names were modified to remove perceived aristocratic associations.
2. Coudérier - This form includes an acute accent over the final 'e', which is common in French and indicates pronunciation as "Coudé-rê" (with a stressed second syllable).
3. Coudière - A less common variant, this name may have originated from a misinterpretation or mispronunciation of the original name. It is pronounced similarly to the main form, with an emphasis on the first syllable.
4. Kauderer - A possible German adaptation of the French surname Coudurier, where the 'd' sound becomes 't', and the vowel system follows typical German phonetic rules.
5. Koudrier - An alternate spelling that may have arisen due to slight variations in pronunciation or transcription over time. It is pronounced similarly to the French form.
6. Cuduria - This spelling appears to be a modification of the original name, possibly due to errors during immigration records or personal preference, and it follows common English phonetic rules for the 'd' and 'u' sounds.

Famous people with the last name Coudurier

Le Corbusier, born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, is arguably the most renowned individual associated with the surname Coudurier. A Swiss-French architect and designer, he is considered one of the pioneers of modern architecture and design. His works include iconic buildings such as the Villa Savoye and the Unité d'Habitation. Another well-known figure with the last name Coudurier is Marie-Laure de Noailles, a French art patron who played a significant role in promoting contemporary art movements like Surrealism during the early 20th century. Additionally, Jean Coudurier, a French actor, is recognized for his work in cinema and theater. His notable roles include performances in films by directors such as Robert Bresson and Jean Renoir. These figures demonstrate the diverse contributions of individuals bearing the surname Coudurier across various fields of art and design.

Genealogical research on the last name Coudurier

The surname Coudurier is primarily of French origin, derived from the Old French term "cordonier," meaning a cordwainer or shoemaker. The name was originally a professional name, indicative of a craftsman who made and sold shoes. In France, it can be found most prevalently in regions such as Normandy, Brittany, and Lorraine.

The Coudurier family has notable historical figures, one being Jacques Coudurier, a prominent Huguenot leader during the French Wars of Religion in the 16th century. Another is Pierre Coudurier, a French painter active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The name also has variants like Cordonnier, Cordurié, Kordurier, among others, which may appear due to regional dialects or spelling differences over time. As with many surnames, numerous branches of the Coudurier family migrated and dispersed across the world, including to North America and other regions, leading to a wide distribution of the name today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "coudurier"
• 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