Corbitt History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

From the historical and enchanting region of Normandy emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Corbitt family. Originally, the Norman people were known only by a single name. Surnames evolved during the Middle Ages when people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames. Nickname surnames were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The name Corbitt is a nickname type of surname for a person with dark hair. Tracing the origin of the name further, we found the name Corbitt was originally derived from the Old French word “corbeau,” which means “raven.” 1

Early Origins of the Corbitt family

The surname Corbitt was first found in Shropshire, where they claim descendancy from Roger, son of Corbet as listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. Roger le Corbet (or Fitz Corbet) was granted several manors by William the Conqueror as the Barony of Caus for his role in the Conquest. “The first Corbet came from Shropshire and settled in Teviotdale under Earl David in the first quarter of the twelfth century. He is said to have obtained the manor of Foghou which he held as a vassal under the earls of Dunbar (Chalmers, I, p. 499). Robert Corbet was a witness to the Inquisitio of Earl David c. 1124, and to a charter by the earl to Selkirk Abbey (Kelso, 4). His son, Walter, acquired the manor of Malcarvestun and other lands in Teviotdale and made grants to the Abbey of Kelso, and gifted the church of Malcaruiston to the same abbey.” 2

“Corbet, a noble Norman, came into England with the Conqueror, and from his son Roger Corbet descended the baronial house, as well as the families of the name now existing.” 1

Another source notes “a Norman family too well known to need any detail. Hence the Barons Corbet of Caux, and the Baronets Corbet.” 3