Colbert

The surname Colbert is of Old French origin, derived from the personal name "Col", which itself is a short form of Nicolas. The name spread to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066 and has been recorded in various forms over the centuries, including Colbart, Colebird, and Culbert.

One of the notable bearers of the surname was Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683), a prominent French statesman who served as the Minister of Finances under King Louis XIV. Colbert played a significant role in the economic development of France during his time in office.

In England, the surname Colbert has been documented in various regions, with concentrations in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London. The name has also found its way to other English-speaking countries through migration and settlement.

Today, descendants of the Colbert family can be found across the globe, with many individuals continuing to bear the surname and contribute to various fields and professions.

References:

  • Hanks, P., Coats of Arms and Surnames: A Guide for Family Historians and Heraldists. The National Archives, 2020.
  • Reany, P. H., and Wilson, R. M., A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.

There are approximately 1,095 people named Colbert in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,885th most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Colbert.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Daniel
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Lawrence
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Angela
  • Charlotte
  • Christine
  • Denise
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Jacqueline
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Sally
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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