Last Name Coville

Learn more about the origin of the last name Coville

The meaning and origin of the last name Coville

The surname Coville is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "couver" which means "cover" or "roof." It was often given as an occupational name to someone who was a roofer or a keeper of game birds. Over time, it has been anglicized into various forms such as Coverille and Covel, with Coville being the most common. In England, the name became widespread during the Norman Conquest in 1066 when many French-speaking nobles were introduced to Britain. The popularity of the name continued to grow in both France and England throughout the Middle Ages. Today, Coville is a relatively uncommon surname but can be found in various parts of the English-speaking world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Coville

The last name Coville is primarily distributed across several regions, with significant concentrations in France and Canada. In France, it originates from the region of Brittany, particularly around Rennes and Lorient. In Quebec, Canada, it is one of the most common surnames due to French colonial influences. Coville can also be found in smaller numbers in other French-speaking regions such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. The name has also spread globally through immigration, with sizable Coville populations in the United States, particularly in Louisiana and Maine, due to French settlers. In addition, there are communities of Coville families in Australia, South Africa, and England, among other countries, as a result of migration over the past few centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Coville

The surname Coville has several variations and spellings. Some of these include Covel, Coeville, Coveille, Coiville, Covell, Coverly, Coovill, Cooville, Coviele, Coviell, and Cowiele. These variants may have arisen due to factors such as spelling mistakes, regional dialects, or family traditions over the centuries. The name is believed to have originated from the Norman French word "cove", meaning a hollow or small bay, which was used topographically for someone who lived near such a feature.

Famous people with the last name Coville

Notable individuals with the surname Coville include:

1. Tamora Pierce (born 1954), an American author best known for her fantasy novels for young readers. Her works often feature strong female protagonists and complex themes.

2. Paul Coville (born 1937), a retired American ballet dancer who was a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet from 1958 to 1969. He is remembered for his versatility and grace in various roles.

3. Brian Coville (born 1946), an English-American musician, composer, and arranger. He has worked extensively in film and television, earning two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on the animated series "Star Trek: The Animated Series".

4. Robert L. Coville (1931-2018), an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1965 to 1970 and as a judge for the New York City Criminal Court from 1971 until his retirement in 2004.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on literature, dance, music, and law.

Genealogical research on the last name Coville

The surname Coville, originating from France, is primarily associated with Normandy and Brittany regions. It derives from the Old French "couv(e)iller" which means "to cover", referring to someone who lived near a place where animals were kept or covered. The name has been traced back to the 12th century in France, with notable early bearers including Robert le Couvillier, documented in Normandy around 1150 AD.

In England, the Coville name emerged during the Norman Conquest of 1066, as many Normans accompanied William the Conqueror and settled in various parts of the country. The Coville family can be traced to the Yorkshire region where they held lands granted by the Duke of Normandy. Over time, variations such as Coeville, Cauvile, and Couvillier have also been recorded.

In North America, French colonizers introduced the name to regions including Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Louisiana, while some Covilles arrived in England's American colonies in the 17th century. Notable descendants include Edward Coville, a prominent conservationist who founded the Myrick Conservation Area in Massachusetts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Coville"
• 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 : 23 July 2025