Last Name Culbreth

The surname Culbreth is of English origin and it is derived from a variety of sources. One possible origin is from a nickname for a strong or powerful person, derived from the Old Norse word "kollr" meaning "hollow" or "crooked," combined with "bret," which comes from the Old English word "brett," meaning broad or flat. Another possibility is that the name could be occupational, derived from an Old English term "colbrith" or "culbreth," meaning a charcoal burner. This would suggest that the original bearer of the surname may have been involved in the production of charcoal for various uses. A third possible origin is that the name could be locational, derived from the Old English "colfryth," meaning a clearing where coal or coals are found, which would indicate that the original bearer lived near a coal mine or coal deposit. Overall, the surname Culbreth has multiple origins and it is possible for different branches of the family to have different historical roots.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Culbreth

The meaning and origin of the last name Culbreth

The surname Culbreth is an Anglo-Saxon name of Old English origin, derived from the phrase "Colebregda," which means "the dweller at the crooked hill." It is a topographic surname, indicating that the original bearer lived near a prominent landmark or geographical feature. The name Culbreth is found predominantly in England and Ireland, with variations such as Colebrow, Colebrick, Colbrough, and Colbrook being associated with early settlers who emigrated from England to North America. In the United States, the surname is most concentrated in states like Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Notable individuals with the surname Culbreth include American musician and actor John Wesley Culbreth (1853-1920) and professional baseball player Jerry Culbreath (born 1947).

Geographical distribution of the last name Culbreth

The last name Culbreth is primarily found in the southern United States, particularly in states such as North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia. It is believed to have originated from these regions due to its association with early English and Scottish settlers who immigrated to America during the colonial period. The name is derived from Old English words "cubbe" meaning "cub" or "young man" and "brēth(e)r" meaning "brother," indicating a nickname or surname for someone resembling a young man or a brother. Today, the Culbreth family has extended beyond its historical heartland but remains predominantly concentrated in the southeastern United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Culbreth

The surname Culbreth has several variations and spelling versions, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants include: Culbright, Colbright, Culbreete, Culbreathy, Culbrette, Coulbright, Coulebright, Colebrighte, Colbreth, and Culbreed. These variations may arise from alterations in spelling conventions over the centuries or due to differences in pronunciation among different families bearing the name. Each variation represents a unique lineage within the broader family tree of Culbreth/Culbright descendants.

Famous people with the last name Culbreth

Notable individuals with the surname Culbreth include:

1. John Culbreth (1827-1906), a U.S. Army officer who served during the American Civil War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Antietam.

2. James L. Culbreath (1934-1995), an American politician who served as a Florida State Senator and the U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago during the Carter administration.

3. Robert A. Culbreth (born 1948), an American actor known for his roles in films such as "The Godfather: Part II" and "The Silence of the Lambs."

4. Kerry Culbreth (born 1960), an American professional baseball umpire who has worked in Major League Baseball since 1993.

5. Marques Ogden Culbreath (born 1982), a former American football player who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including military service, politics, acting, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Culbreth

The surname Culbreth is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to be derived from the Old English words 'cuel' (meaning coal) and 'bryce' (meaning a dweller). Early records show that the name was spelled variously as Colbrith, Colbrethe, and Culbreth. The earliest recorded mention of the name can be traced back to 1273 in Norfolk, England, where John de Colebret was listed in the Hundred Rolls.

The name spread primarily throughout England, with significant concentrations in counties such as Durham and Yorkshire. In the late 17th century, some Culbreth families migrated to America, settling primarily in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Notable figures bearing this surname include Edward Culbreth, a colonist who settled in Virginia in the early 17th century, and John Culbreth, a signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence in 1860, predating the signing of the U.S. Declaration by two years. The Culbreth family tree is rich in military and political figures, reflecting their impact on American history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Culbreth"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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