Surname Courvoisier - Meaning and Origin
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Courvoisier: What does the surname Courvoisier mean?
The last name Courvoisier is of French origin and is a topographic name for someone who lived at an intersection of two roads, from an Old French term “corveisier”, which translates to “crossroads”. With roots originating in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region of France, the Courvoisier family is part of a rich, storied French heritage.
The Courvoisier’s are a distinguished line of innkeepers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and merchants that have called France home since the Middle Ages. A favorite beverage of Napoleon and other luminaries across Europe, Courvoisier Cognac is a luxury brand that has grown exponentially over the past two centuries and is now a global leader in the spirits industry.
With more than three centuries in Cognac-making and distribution, the Courvoisier name has become synonymous with quality and prestige, evoking the classic French style of life and celebration that has been celebrated by many that have faced the perils of war and disease. The unceasing determination of the Courvoisier family has helped to ensure the longevity of the brand and its reputation for delivering a uniquely French experience for centuries to come.
Order DNA origin analysisCourvoisier: Where does the name Courvoisier come from?
The last name Courvoisier is most commonly found in France today. It is a French surname, derived from the Latin-based phrase “from the court”, indicating the name was likely given to individuals who had privileged access to the court of a King or nobleman.
Over the centuries, being a part of the court was a sign of high social status, and those who held the Courvoisier surname were likely respected and influential members of their communities. The Courvoisier name is still found in many towns and villages in France, although the frequency of the name varies from place to place.
Outside of France, there are some individuals with the Courvoisier name in other parts of Europe, as well as in North America and other countries, mostly due to immigration. In the US, families with the name Courvoisier can be found mainly in the densely populated states, such as California and New York.
In recent years, the Courvoisier family has been associated with cognac, which is a type of alcohol distilled in the region of Cognac, France. The Courvoisier brand of cognac has been exported around the world, becoming a very popular and expensive spirit, making this name familiar to gourmands and alcohol enthusiasts the world over.
Variations of the surname Courvoisier
Courvoisier is a French surname, derived from the French word courvoise, meaning "customs officer”. It likely began as a job-related surname, referring to a person who worked at a customs house. The variants and other possible spellings of the Courvoisier name include Courvoisiere, Courvoisair, Courvoiser, Courovoisier, Courvoisey, Courvoisy, Corvoisier, Corvoisiere, Corvoiser and Corvoisair.
Courvoisier is an especially popular surname among the French-speaking population, though it has seen adoption among other language-speaking populations, including English, Spanish and German.
One could also come across alternate spelling variants or Anglicized variations of the Courvoisier name, including Corvish, Corvishre, Corvishrie, Corvisser, Corvissiere, Corvissy, Corvisse, Corvisier, Corvisière, Corvizier and Corvazier.
Additionally, some families use the common French charms and kilts of their coat of arms to form alternate surnames, and for the Courvoisier surname this could extend to Curverier, LeCouraier, Courtvier and LeCourvier. This practice was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
To note, Courvoisier is possibly related to two other French surnames, Courville and Corbelin, which both stem from the same occupational source of customs officer. Therefore, it’s possible that applies to Courvoisier as well.
Famous people with the name Courvoisier
- Jules Courvoisier: Swiss politician and former Federal Councilor
- Hermine de Courvoisier de Blénod: an employee of the French Foreign Ministry
- Gustave Courvoisier: 19th century French Catholic politician
- Bertrand Courvoisier: Swiss financier and founder of Courvoisier & Co.
- Edward Courvoisier: 19th century French lawyer and politician
- Alfred Courvoisier: founder of the « Courvoisier » cognac
- Jacob Courvoisier: 19th century French art collector
- Hyacinthe Courvoisier: 19th century French art critic
- Marc Courvoisier: contemporary Swiss Weatherman
- Anne Courvoisier: 19th century French actress and mime artist
- Jean Courvoisier: 19th century French Jesuit philosopher
- Joseph-Adolphe Courvoisier: 19th century French politician and banker
- Charles Courvoisier: 19th century French industrialist
- Hortense Courvoisier: 19th century French novelist, playwright and journalist
- Paul Courvoisier: 19th century Swiss politician and lawyer