Corbet is a surname of Norman origin with a vivid image at its heart — the raven. Brought to Britain after the Conquest, it became established among the landed families of the Borders and the marches, and it carries the dark, watchful bird in its very meaning.
Quick answer: Corbet is a surname of Norman-French origin from corbet, “little raven” or “crow,” originally a nickname; it became a landed family name in the Scottish Borders and the English marches, and also appears as Corbett.
Where Does the Corbet Name Come From?
The name comes from the Old French corbet, a diminutive of corb (raven or crow), and began as a descriptive nickname — perhaps for someone dark-haired or dark-complexioned, or simply associated with the bird. It was carried to Britain by Norman families after 1066 and became a hereditary surname among the landholding families who settled in the border country.
The Corbets established themselves on both sides of the Anglo-Scottish frontier, holding lands in the marches and the Scottish Borders. The raven of the name remained closely tied to the family's identity through the heraldry and symbolism of the medieval world. Today the name is found as both Corbet and Corbett.
Own a Piece of Corbet Heritage
The Corbet name appears across a small range of keepsakes — a crest mug for daily use, an outdoor garden flag, and a Christmas ornament — each pairing the family name with a tartan-background crest design.
Popular Corbet gifts: Crest Mug · Garden Flag · Ornament
Frequently Asked Questions About the Corbet Name
What nationality is the Corbet surname?
Corbet is of Norman-French origin and became established as a landed name in the Scottish Borders and the English marches.
What does the Corbet name mean?
It comes from corbet, “little raven” or “crow,” originally a nickname.
Are Corbet and Corbett the same name?
Yes — Corbet and Corbett are spellings of the same Norman-origin name.
Is Corbet a clan?
Corbet is a landed family name of Norman origin rather than a Highland clan with its own chief.
If you're proud of your Corbet heritage, you can explore gifts and home décor featuring the Corbet name by using the search bar above.
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