Surname Colvert - Meaning and Origin

Colvert: What does the surname Colvert mean?

The surname Colvert is of French origin and it is an occupational name. It was usually given to a person who worked as a charcoal burner or charcoal seller. The origin derivation is from the word "charbonnier", which means "charcoal". Like many surnames that were derived from the job of an ancestor, it is considered to be a metonymic occupational surname. Over the years, the spelling would have changed due to factors such as regional dialects and illiteracy, leading to several variations of the last name, including 'colvert', 'colbert', 'culbert', 'culver', among others. Having French origins, this surname is popular in France but it can also be found in other countries due to migration.

Colvert: Where does the name Colvert come from?

The surname Colvert is of English origin and is derived from the old French word "colvert" meaning "wild duck." This surname was likely initially given to individuals who were thought to embody characteristics of a duck or lived near a significant duck habitat. It could also be an occupational name for a duck hunter or a trader. Variations of the surname include Colver and Colvart. This surname was first found in Buckinghamshire, England.

Despite its English roots, today, the surname is common in the United States due to the waves of immigration from the British Isles during colonial times and the 19th century. It can also be found, albeit less frequently, in England and in other English-speaking countries as well. Notable people with the surname Colvert include Graeme Colvert, a famous field athlete from New Zealand, indicating the name's spread outside of its primary regions.

Variations of the surname Colvert

The surname Colvert may have several variants and associated spellings due to regional differences, accents, and ease of pronunciation. These variations include Colvert, Colvart, Calvert, Culvert, and Coulvert. It's also possible that Kolvert or Kolver could be alternates, especially in areas with strong German influence. Double-barrelled or hyphenated versions of the name might exist, such as Colvert-Smith or Calvert-Jones.

The origin of the name is likely English, specifically from the Old English words for "cold" and "stream", suggesting that the original Colverts lived near a cold stream. The variant Calvert is also associated with a location, meaning "calf hill" in Old English.

The surname Calvert is particularly common and has a notable presence in history. For instance, the Calvert family were English nobles in the 17th century, with George Calvert being the 1st Baron Baltimore and founder of the Maryland colony.

All these surnames may have evolved differently over time and may also represent distinct family lines. Thus, while they share similar spelling and perhaps a common geographic or occupational origin, they may not necessarily denote the same family lineage.

Famous people with the name Colvert

• Sarah Colvert: an American comedian and actress
• Jessie Colvert: an American singer-songwriter
• Barton Colvert: an American television actor and producer
• Julian Colvert: a British actor, writer, director, singer and multi-media designer
• Trent Colvert: an American actor and producer
• Seth Colvert: an American actor, singer and writer
• Jake Colvert: an American actor, voice actor and director
• Ryan Colvert: an American professional soccer player
• Kate Colvert: an American singer and songwriter
• Annemarie Colvert: an American writer, poet, and painter

Other surnames

Colver