| ![Show Contents]() Corpe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The name Corpe is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was a name for someone who was a dark-haired person. In Yorkshire and Suffolk, the surname Corpe is derived from the Old Norse word korpr, which means raven; in Oxfordshire, the surname is derived from the Old French word corp, which has the same meaning. 1 Early Origins of the Corpe familyThe surname Corpe was first found in Yorkshire, where Walter le Corp was recorded in the Pipe Rolls of 1177. Later, William le Corp was listed at Oseney, Oxfordshire in 1231 and later again, James Corp was found in Suffolk in 1297. 2 The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 had only one listing for the family, Stephen de Corp, Lincolnshire 3 and similarly Somerset had only one: John Corp, 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 4 In Dartmouth, Devon, "Special need of defence is shown in the license granted to John Corp to embattle his house at the entrance of the harbour ; and it is a point worth noting That in the adjoining church of Stoke Fleming, the oldest brasses in the county are to John Corp (1361), and to Elyenore, presumably a Corp also (1381)." 5 Early History of the Corpe familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Corpe research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1231, 1273, 1293, 1297, 1744 and 1801 are included under the topic Early Corpe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Corpe Spelling VariationsCorpe has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Corpe have been found, including Corp, Corps, Corpe and others. Early Notables of the Corpe familyMore information is included under the topic Early Corpe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
 Corpe migration to the United States | + |
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Corpes to arrive on North American shores:
Corpe Settlers in United States in the 18th Century- Robert Corpe, who arrived in Bermuda in 1747
| Contemporary Notables of the name Corpe (post 1700) | + |
- William Wescombe Corpe (1836-1923), English-born, New Zealand clerk, station manager, sawmiller, storekeeper and dairy manufacturer
- Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
- Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
- Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
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Corpe migration to the United States 
England
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