NameCensus.

UK surname

Corbett

An Irish surname derived from the French corbeau, meaning "raven," likely referring to a person with dark hair.

In the 1881 census there were 5,860 people recorded with the Corbett surname, ranking it #754 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 10,197, ranked #632, up from #754 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Wellington, Wrockwardine, Eyton-on-the-Moors, Preston-on-the-Moors, London parishes and Glasgow. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Telford and Wrekin, Barnsley and Flintshire.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Corbett is 10,647 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 74.0%.

1881 census count

5,860

Ranked #754

Modern count

10,197

2016, ranked #632

Peak year

2010

10,647 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Corbett had 5,860 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #754 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 10,197 in 2016, ranked #632.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 7,817 in 1901.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Corbett surname distribution map

The map shows where the Corbett surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Corbett surname density by area, 1881 census.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Corbett over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 2,976 #974
1861 historical 3,277 #871
1881 historical 5,860 #754
1891 historical 5,935 #791
1901 historical 7,817 #684
1911 historical 7,033 #737
1997 modern 10,040 #616
1998 modern 10,437 #613
1999 modern 10,580 #609
2000 modern 10,446 #615
2001 modern 10,228 #615
2002 modern 10,469 #613
2003 modern 10,192 #618
2004 modern 10,189 #618
2005 modern 10,067 #617
2006 modern 10,100 #615
2007 modern 10,177 #618
2008 modern 10,243 #617
2009 modern 10,504 #619
2010 modern 10,647 #623
2011 modern 10,469 #624
2012 modern 10,267 #624
2013 modern 10,344 #628
2014 modern 10,414 #629
2015 modern 10,263 #633
2016 modern 10,197 #632

Geography

Back to top

Where Corbetts are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Wellington, Wrockwardine, Eyton-on-the-Moors, Preston-on-the-Moors, London parishes, Glasgow and Birmingham Town: Birmingham. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Telford and Wrekin, Barnsley and Flintshire. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Wellington, Wrockwardine, Eyton-on-the-Moors, Preston-on-the-Moors Shropshire
2 London parishes London 3
3 Glasgow Lanark
4 London parishes London 2
5 Birmingham Town: Birmingham Warwickshire

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Telford and Wrekin 014 Telford and Wrekin
2 Telford and Wrekin 006 Telford and Wrekin
3 Barnsley 007 Barnsley
4 Telford and Wrekin 009 Telford and Wrekin
5 Flintshire 003 Flintshire

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Corbett

These lists show first names that appear often with the Corbett surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Corbett

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Corbett, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Rural Amenity

Nationally, the Corbett surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Corbett household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Corbett is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Corbett is most concentrated in decile 9 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

9
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Corbett falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Corbett is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Corbett, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Corbett

The surname Corbett is of Norman-French origin, derived from the Old French word "corbeau" meaning "raven" or "crow". It is believed to have originated as a nickname or descriptive name for someone with dark hair or complexion, likening them to the appearance of a raven.

The name first appeared in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many Norman families settled in various parts of the country. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as "Corbett" in Shropshire.

In the 12th century, a notable figure named Robert Corbett (c. 1150-1220) was a wealthy landowner and Lord of Caus Castle in Shropshire. He played a significant role in the Baron's War against King John and was later appointed as a Justice of the Court of King's Bench.

Another prominent individual bearing the name was Roger Corbett (c. 1250-1321), who served as a member of Parliament for Shropshire in the reign of King Edward I. He was also a distinguished military commander and participated in the Scottish Wars of Independence.

During the 13th century, the Corbett family established themselves as landed gentry in Shropshire, with their ancestral seat at Caus Castle. The name is also associated with various place names in the region, such as Corbett's Dingle and Corbett's Wood.

In the 16th century, Sir Andrew Corbett (c. 1520-1578) was a prominent figure in Worcestershire. He served as High Sheriff of Worcestershire and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1568 for his services to the Crown.

Later, in the 17th century, John Corbett (1599-1662) was an English Puritan clergyman and one of the Westminster Divines. He played a significant role in the English Civil War and was a staunch supporter of Oliver Cromwell.

Throughout history, the surname Corbett has been associated with various professions and achievements, including politics, military service, law, and religion. While its roots can be traced back to Norman-French origins, the name has become well-established in England and other parts of the world over the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Corbett families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Corbett surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Staffordshire leads with 641 Corbetts recorded in 1881 and an index of 3.32x.

County Total Index
Staffordshire 641 3.32x
Lancashire 470 0.69x
Worcestershire 437 5.85x
Middlesex 430 0.75x
Shropshire 426 8.61x
Warwickshire 410 2.84x
Surrey 319 1.14x
Lanarkshire 231 1.25x
Yorkshire 199 0.35x
Durham 183 1.07x
Northumberland 163 1.91x
Nottinghamshire 143 1.85x
Herefordshire 122 5.20x
Gloucestershire 116 1.03x
Cheshire 115 0.91x
Kent 110 0.56x
Leicestershire 109 1.72x
Midlothian 100 1.30x
Derbyshire 96 1.07x
Hampshire 64 0.55x
Sutherland 60 13.63x
Sussex 59 0.61x
Glamorgan 57 0.57x
Northamptonshire 50 0.93x
Montgomeryshire 48 3.66x
Ayrshire 45 1.05x
Essex 40 0.35x
Bedfordshire 37 1.25x
Cumberland 37 0.75x
Aberdeenshire 36 0.68x
Inverness-shire 35 2.05x
Renfrewshire 35 0.79x
Ross-shire 34 2.16x
Huntingdonshire 31 2.73x
Oxfordshire 30 0.85x
Somerset 28 0.30x
Buckinghamshire 20 0.58x
Denbighshire 19 0.88x
Roxburghshire 18 1.74x
Angus 17 0.32x
Westmorland 17 1.35x
Monmouthshire 16 0.39x
Devon 15 0.13x
Stirlingshire 15 0.71x
Lincolnshire 13 0.14x
Hertfordshire 11 0.28x
Wigtownshire 11 1.45x
Dunbartonshire 10 0.65x
Perthshire 10 0.39x
Radnorshire 10 2.17x
Argyllshire 9 0.56x
Dorset 9 0.24x
Norfolk 9 0.10x
Caithness 7 0.89x
Cardiganshire 7 0.50x
Dumfriesshire 7 0.55x
Nairnshire 7 4.01x
Berkshire 6 0.14x
Cambridgeshire 6 0.17x
Isle of Man 6 0.56x
Merionethshire 6 0.57x
Pembrokeshire 6 0.33x
West Lothian 6 0.70x
Royal Navy 5 0.73x
Wiltshire 5 0.10x
Channel Islands 4 0.24x
Flintshire 4 0.26x
Caernarfonshire 2 0.09x
East Lothian 2 0.26x
Morayshire 2 0.22x
Banffshire 1 0.08x
Carmarthenshire 1 0.04x
Fife 1 0.03x
Kincardineshire 1 0.14x
Kirkcudbrightshire 1 0.12x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Wellington in Shropshire leads with 159 Corbetts recorded in 1881 and an index of 57.21x.

Place Total Index
Wellington 159 57.21x
Birmingham 147 3.06x
Aston 146 3.67x
Gateshead 80 6.27x
Kingswinford 72 10.26x
Govan 64 1.40x
West Bromwich 62 5.60x
Nottingham St Mary 61 3.06x
Barony 59 1.26x
Wombridge 56 91.71x
Eddrachillis 53 177.26x
St Pancras London 53 1.15x
Wednesfield 46 16.18x
Dawley 45 25.01x
Lambeth 44 0.88x
Bromsgrove 43 17.09x
Darlaston 43 16.10x
Islington London 43 0.78x
Manchester 43 1.41x
Bilston 42 11.22x
Dudley 42 4.62x
Liverpool 40 0.97x
Leicester St Margaret 37 2.39x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 35 1.13x
Stoke Upon Trent 33 1.61x
Tipton 32 5.41x
Cannock 31 9.19x
Glasgow 30 0.91x
Barrow In Furness 29 3.14x
Kings Norton 29 4.33x
Ashtead 28 154.36x
Hamilton 28 5.42x
Skegby 28 59.25x
Chelsea London 27 1.57x
Wolverhampton 27 1.82x
Basford 26 7.31x
Claines 26 12.67x
Oswestry Town 26 16.42x
Ecclesfield 25 6.01x
Skelmersdale 25 22.08x
St Marylebone London 25 0.82x
West Derby 25 1.26x
Bermondsey 22 1.29x
Elswick 22 3.24x
Enfield 22 5.86x
Lewisham 22 2.11x
Newington 22 1.04x
Stokesay 22 150.89x
Toxteth Park 22 0.96x
Greenwich 21 2.30x
Hackney London 21 0.65x
Kidderminster Borough 21 4.80x
Kingston On Thames 21 3.13x
Southwark St George Martyr 21 1.82x
West Ham 21 0.84x
Woolwich 21 2.91x
Yardley 21 10.98x
Bromyard 18 58.21x
Hawick 18 7.76x
Monks Coppenhall 18 3.78x
Newbrough 18 119.13x
Westgate 18 3.41x
Avenbury 17 213.57x
Bishops Sutton 17 202.14x
Brighton 17 0.87x
Halesowen 17 25.91x
Knowle 17 57.30x
Lichfield St Michael 17 28.03x
Sheepshed 17 19.54x
Wednesbury 17 3.52x
Bedford St Mary 16 20.96x
Bedminster 16 1.85x
Bersham 16 17.35x
Castleton 16 2.36x
Cheltenham 16 1.85x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 16 2.17x
Hulme 16 1.13x
Inverness 16 3.72x
Mile End Old Town London 16 1.31x
Walsall Foreign 16 1.60x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Corbett surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 376
Sarah 215
Elizabeth 202
Ann 127
Jane 98
Eliza 84
Emma 84
Annie 81
Alice 77
Ellen 68
Emily 63
Hannah 48
Margaret 48
Martha 40
Fanny 36
Maria 34
Harriet 32
Ada 28
Julia 28
Lucy 27
Charlotte 26
Caroline 25
Clara 25
Edith 25
Louisa 25
Anne 24
Isabella 24
Harriett 22
Catherine 21
Frances 20
Kate 20
Susan 20
Florence 19
Agnes 18
Rebecca 15
Bridget 14
Sophia 14
Esther 13
Jessie 12
Amelia 11
Rose 11
Laura 10
Selina 10
Elizth. 9
Eleanor 8
Gertrude 8
Lizzie 8
Lydia 8
Matilda 8
Ruth 8

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Corbett surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 333
William 333
James 177
George 166
Thomas 165
Joseph 105
Henry 98
Charles 92
Edward 70
Robert 62
Alfred 55
Arthur 51
Richard 41
Frederick 36
Samuel 36
Walter 34
Albert 24
Benjamin 24
Francis 23
Harry 23
Michael 22
David 21
Frank 20
Thos. 20
Edwin 17
Herbert 17
Ernest 14
Wm. 12
Alexander 11
Patrick 11
Dennis 10
Isaac 9
Andrew 8
Enoch 8
Fredrick 8
Cornelius 7
Edmund 7
Daniel 6
Fred 6
Geo. 6
Jno. 6
Matthew 6
Tom 6
Vincent 6
Amos 5
Jonathan 5
Sidney 5
Stephen 5
Horace 4
Mathew 4

FAQ

Corbett surname: questions and answers

How common was the Corbett surname in 1881?

In 1881, 5,860 people were recorded with the Corbett surname. That placed it at #754 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Corbett surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 10,197 in 2016. That gives Corbett a modern rank of #632.

What does the Corbett surname mean?

An Irish surname derived from the French corbeau, meaning "raven," likely referring to a person with dark hair.

What does the Corbett map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Corbett bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.