Last Name Curey

The surname Curey is of French origin and is derived from a variety of sources. One possible origin comes from the Old French word "curee," meaning "dried meat," which was an occupational name for a butcher or a gamekeeper. Another possibility is that it could be a habitational name from any of several places called Curey in France, such as in the department of Calvados or Manche. The name may also have been formed as a diminutive of the given name Curiace (a form of Chariot), with the suffix "-ey" indicating a residence associated with someone named Curiace.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Curey

The meaning and origin of the last name Curey

The surname Curey is of French origin, derived from various places named Curey found in France. It is most commonly associated with the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The name of these places is thought to be derived from the Gallo-Roman word "coria" meaning enclosure or courtyard, as they were likely originally settlements surrounded by walls or fences. Over time, the name has been anglicized and spelled in various ways, including Curey, Curee, Correy, etc., due to factors such as phonetic variations, migration, and local dialects. The surname Curey can be found among the French Huguenot immigrants who settled in America during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Curey

The last name Curey is primarily concentrated in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., the highest concentrations are found in states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas, which may be linked to French-speaking Acadian or Cajun communities that originated from Quebec, Canada. In Canada, it is most common in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The surname also has a presence in other English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland, albeit less frequently. It's important to note that the distribution can vary greatly due to migration patterns over time and genetic research may reveal additional origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Curey

The surname Curey has several variants and spellings, originating from the Anglo-Saxon word "Curer" which means healer or physician. Some variations include:

1. Curey
2. Cury
3. Currey
4. Currie
5. Curye
6. Curry
7. Cuerie
8. Corri
9. Correy
10. Corie

These variations can be found in different regions and may have evolved over time due to spelling differences, regional accents, or errors during transcription. It's essential to note that the various spellings all derive from the original Anglo-Saxon name.

Famous people with the last name Curey

Notable individuals with the surname Curey include:

1. John Henry Curey (1817-1893), a British Conservative politician who served as Member of Parliament for Oxford University between 1865 and 1885.
2. William Curey (1843-1895), an English composer, organist, and music publisher, known for his hymn tunes and collections.
3. Richard Curey (born 1940), a Canadian ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League for teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.
4. Thomas Curey (1825-1896), an American politician and Union Army officer during the American Civil War, serving as the Adjutant General of New York from 1863 to 1870.
5. William Curey (1812-1884), a British naval officer who participated in the Crimean War, achieving the rank of Commander and earning the Distinguished Service Order.

Genealogical research on the last name Curey

The surname Curey is believed to have originated from France, specifically Normandy, and is derived from the Old French word "curee," which means "haunch of meat." This name was often given to butchers or those who worked with meat, due to its association with their profession.

The earliest recorded spelling of the name appears in the 13th century in Normandy, where a knight named Guillaume Curie is mentioned in historical records. The family later migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066. In England, the name evolved through several variations, including Corry, Corrie, and Correy, due to phonetic changes and variant transcriptions over time.

In North America, the Curey family is known to have migrated primarily from France and England to countries like Canada and the United States. Notable figures with the surname include French-Canadian poet Émile Nelligan and American inventor Charles D. Curey, who developed an early electric lighting system.

Genealogical research suggests that the Curey family can be traced back to various regions in Europe, particularly France and England, with a significant number of descendants now residing in North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Curey"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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