Last Name Korrich

The surname Korrich is of Sephardic Jewish origin, specifically from the Iberian Peninsula. It is derived from a Hebrew personal name, Koriach or Coriach, which appears in the Old Testament (Book of Exodus 32:19) and is believed to be related to "kore," meaning "cypress tree." After the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, many Sephardic Jews migrated to North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and other regions. The name Korrich might have evolved during this migration process.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Korrich

The meaning and origin of the last name Korrich

The surname Korrich is believed to have origins rooted in France, specifically in the Brittany region. It is a variant of the Breton name "Correch" or "Korrek", which is derived from the Old Breton word "correg," meaning "priest." Over time, the spelling has evolved as families immigrated and settled in different regions. In some cases, variations such as Corrish, Corrich, and Korrish may also be found. It's important to note that surnames did not become common in Europe until the Middle Ages, so a specific origin for any individual's name can be challenging to pinpoint precisely.

Geographical distribution of the last name Korrich

The surname Korrich is primarily concentrated in North Africa, particularly in Morocco and Algeria. It originates from the Berber tribe known as Ait Ouorkach or Aït Ourak, who are indigenous to the High Atlas mountains in Morocco. Over time, variations of this surname such as Korich, Ourak, and Ouarkache have emerged due to translation errors and assimilation processes. Outside of North Africa, smaller communities with the Korrich surname can be found in European countries with significant immigrant populations from Morocco and Algeria, such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. In these countries, the name is often spelled differently due to transliteration or phonetic differences.

Variants and spellings of the last name Korrich

The surname Korrich has multiple variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Corrige, Coritch, Korrish, Korich, and Corrich. These variations may arise from slight changes in spelling or pronunciation among different regions, families, or historical periods. Additionally, some individuals may have slightly modified the spelling of their surnames during migration or assimilation processes. Despite these variations, they all stem from the same root origin, which could potentially be traced back to various locations such as Morocco, Algeria, or Tunisia. It's essential to understand that each variation is a legitimate form of the name Korrich, reflecting the diverse background and heritage of individuals bearing it.

Famous people with the last name Korrich

Notable individuals with the surname Korich include:

1. Haskel Korich (born 1934), an American film and television editor who has worked on numerous popular films, including "Star Wars," "Jaws," and "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
2. Jeffrey Koritch (born 1957), a renowned American neurologist and neuroscientist currently serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
3. Mira Korol (1934-2016), an Israeli actress known for her work in theatre, film, and television, as well as her contributions to Israeli cinema. She won several awards throughout her career, including the Israel Film Academy Award for Best Actress.
4. Paul Korich (born 1971), an American professional golfer who has played on various mini-tours and the PGA Tour since turning pro in 1995. He has had multiple top-20 finishes, including a tie for second place at the 2003 Ford Wayne Tradition.
5. Randy Korich (born 1964), an American ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Edmonton Oilers from 1987 to 1997. He won two Stanley Cup championships with the Red Wings in 1997 and 1998.

Genealogical research on the last name Korrich

The surname Korrich, originating from the Hebrew language, is believed to be a variation of the biblical name Corach (Korah), which signifies "city" or "cypress tree." This name has its roots in Jewish tradition and is commonly found among Sephardic Jewish communities, particularly those of Spanish and North African descent. The Korrich family lineage can be traced back to Spain during the Middle Ages. With the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, many Korrich descendants migrated to countries such as Portugal, Turkey, and North Africa. In the modern era, significant Korrich families have been identified in Morocco and Israel, demonstrating a rich history and dispersal across several continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "korrich"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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