Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Coulombe

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Coulombe?

The surname Coulombe is of French Canadian origin. It comes from the Old French word "colomb," meaning 'dove,' and was often given to children born during the dove-hunting season. Over time, it has evolved into various spellings in French (Colombe, Colombey) and its variations in English, such as Coulombe, Coleman, or Colin. The name is most commonly found in Quebec, Canada, due to the large number of French settlers who arrived in New France in the 17th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coulombe

The meaning and origin of the last name Coulombe

The surname Coulombe is of French Canadian origin. It is derived from the word "colombes," which means doves in French. The name was often given to families who had a crest or emblem featuring a dove, or possibly to someone who lived near a place where doves were commonly found. Over time, variations of this name have emerged due to changes in spelling and translation, including Coulomb, Coulombeau, Colombo, and more. This surname is predominantly found among French Canadians, particularly in Quebec province, but it can also be found in other French-speaking regions such as Louisiana (USA) and New Brunswick (Canada). It serves as a testament to the rich history of French settlement in North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coulombe

The surname Coulombe is predominantly distributed in French-speaking regions, particularly within Canada and the United States. In Canada, it is most frequently found in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, reflecting the historical influence of French colonization. The name also appears in significant numbers in other parts of Canada, indicating migration and assimilation over time. In the United States, Coulombe is primarily located in states with a strong French-American population, such as Louisiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Maine. Smaller clusters can be found in areas with historical French settlements like New Orleans or Acadia. The name's global distribution is relatively limited, though it can also be found in France and other French-speaking countries due to emigration and historical ties.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coulombe

The surname Coulombe (pronounced ku-lomb) has multiple variations and spellings, stemming from its French origins. Some common spelling variations include Coleman, Colman, Culman, Coelho, Kolman, and Kalm, though they may not necessarily be related to the original French name. The name is derived from a term meaning "dove" in French, which was often used as a nickname for someone who was calm or peaceful. Other regional variations of the name Coulombe include Couleux, Coulois, Colombeau, and Coulombier, all preserving the original French phonetic structure. These alternate spellings are less common but have historical significance in regions where French settlers established communities. It is important to note that while some variations may share a similar etymology or spelling, they do not necessarily indicate familial connections unless documented as such.

Famous people with the last name Coulombe

The Coulombe family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of academia, there is John Coulombe, who made significant contributions to the study of French and Québécois literature as a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In the world of entertainment, one of the most recognized is Margaret Coulombe, an accomplished actress best known for her role in the popular television series "Star Trek: Voyager." In sports, Guy Lafleur, whose last name was originally Coullon before adopting the more French-sounding Coulombe, is a legendary ice hockey player who played 15 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and won five Stanley Cups. Lastly, in politics, Jean Chrétien, while not having Coulombe as his last name but rather as a middle name (Joseph-Philibert Fournier-Coulombe), served as the Prime Minister of Canada from 1993 to 2003. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements and successes that members of the Coulombe family have attained.

Genealogical research on the last name Coulombe

The surname Coulombe originates from France and is a variant of Colombe, derived from the female given name Colombe, which means 'dove' in French. It was primarily found in the region of Normandy but also spread to other parts of France. Many of the early settlers in Quebec, Canada, were descendants of these original families. In Quebec, Coulombe is among the most common surnames due to the large number of French immigrants who settled there in the 17th and 18th centuries. The family name Coulombe has also been recorded in other provinces of Canada such as Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. In the United States, significant populations of Coulombes can be found in Louisiana and Maine. Notable individuals with this surname include French Canadian politician Adélard-Godbout and American politician Jeanne Coulombe. The Coulombe family tree is rich in history and culture, reflecting the migration patterns of French families from Europe to North America.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Couao-zotti

Last name • surnames > couao-zotti

The last name Couao-Zotti is of French origin. It's a composite surname formed by combining two separate surnames. The first part, "Couao," might originate from a personal name or ...

#2 Couavoux

Last name • surnames > couavoux

The surname Couavoux originated in France. It is likely of French origin and may be locational, occupational, or descriptive in nature.

#3 Coubert

Last name • surnames > coubert

The last name "Coubert" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name "Cobre", which was a short form of various compound names beginning with the element "c...

#4 Coubrough

Last name • surnames > 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 th...

#5 Couceiro

Last name • surnames > couceiro

The surname Couceiro is of Spanish origin and is derived from the word "couce" which means "tailor" in Galician and Portuguese. The name likely originated as an occupational surnam...

#6 Couchot

Last name • surnames > couchot

The surname "Couchot" is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French term "cuchoie" or "couchet," which means a small bed or couch. The name was likely used as an occupatio...

#7 Couderc

Last name • surnames > couderc

The surname "Couderc" is of French origin. It is derived from a place-name originating from a small village named Coudérac, located in the Charente department of western France. T...

#8 Coudert

Last name • surnames > coudert

The surname Coudert is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "coudrier," meaning "hazel tree." The name likely originated as a topographic name for someone who l...

#9 Coudray

Last name • surnames > coudray

The surname Coudray has French origins and is derived from a geographical location or topographic feature, specifically meaning "cow pasture" or "field for cattle." It is composed ...

#10 Coudurier

Last name • surnames > coudurier

The surname "Coudurier" is of French origin. It is derived from the Occitan word "cobilar," which means carpenter. Over time, this Occitan word evolved into "coudre," meaning to se...

#11 Coudurry

Last name • surnames > coudurry

The surname Coudurry is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "coudrier," which means "hazel tree." This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who ...

#12 Couedel

Last name • surnames > couedel

The last name Couedel appears to have French origins. It is possible that it could be a variation or a derivative of a French surname. Unfortunately, there is limited information a...

#13 Couesmes

Last name • surnames > couesmes

The surname Couesmes originates from France. It is a toponymic name derived from a place named Couesmes, which is located in the Orne department in Lower Normandy. Toponymic names ...

#14 Coughlan

Last name • surnames > coughlan

The surname Coughlan is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Cochlain," which means "descendant of Cochlan." The name Cochlan itself is believed to be derived...

#15 Cougoulat

Last name • surnames > cougoulat

Sure! The last name Cougoulat is of French origin. It likely comes from the Occitan language, a Romance language spoken in southern France. The exact meaning or origin of the name ...